Summer Weather Makes Beach Hot Spot : Recreation: Unseasonal temperatures and balmy breezes lure thousands to shoreline, with more of the same expected today.

Under a sun-kissed, brilliant blue sky, inhibitions were washed away Saturday as thousands frolicked in the ocean and romped on Orange County beaches, waxing rhapsodic about the lazy, summer-like day.

As Santa Ana breezes gently warmed the county, young and old alike came to play Frisbee and football, to swim in water that’s still a tad cold, to surf the foamy waves, to dig holes and build sand castles and, of course, to just soak up the rays.

“It’s just beautiful and wonderful and warm and relaxing,” purred Tamera Parker, 24, a student at San Bernardino Valley College, as she peeped out from behind her geology book. “I came to study and get a tan, so I’m killing two birds with one stone.”

Parker planned to return to the ocean today as well, and meteorologists are predicting that the day will be just as perfect, with temperatures along the coast hovering in the low 80s.

According to lifeguards in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and Laguna Beach, tens of thousands of people swarmed those beaches Saturday to take advantage of the unseasonal sunshine and warmth.

“It’s been sunny all day, and we’ve been having two- to four-foot waves, so the surfing and water recreation is pretty good,” said Huntington Beach lifeguard Steve Davidson. “This day is the closest thing to the return of summer that we’ve seen this year.”

Eric Neville, 18, of Buena Park spent more than four hours surfing and was more than ready to lay down and enjoy the hot sun. “It’s kind of inspirational to come here,” Neville said, “because there are a lot of people out and a lot of good-looking girls out.”

Kim Fitzpatrick, 30, of Reno stumbled onto the beach for some rest and relaxation after a tiring trip to Disneyland.

While her three young sons exulted in digging sand, Fitzpatrick mulled over the temptation of not returning home.

“We sort of went on an adventurous journey, and this is what we found,” she said, gesturing in the direction of the shimmering water. “And I like it here and really don’t want to leave.”

Not far away, Salvador Gaona, 19, of Santa Ana could not leave even if he wanted to: His younger brother and sister were burying him in the sand.

“It’s such a pretty day, and we’re covering him with sand, and it’s fun,” said 9-year-old Yolanda Gaona as she slapped more wet sand on her brother. “We can’t do this every day because he won’t let us.”

“Don’t breathe, you’re cracking,” Oded, 12, admonished his older brother as he piled more sand onto Gaona’s chest and neck. “It’s kind of hot, and this is really hard work.”

Carolyn Goral said she came to the beach Saturday for rest and “a few minutes under the sun, (to) just forget about work and the world.”

“I can do whatever I want here today, which is nothing,” said Goral. She then tugged down her visor, put a copy of the National Enquirer over her eyes and slowly dozed off.