AT a lower section of Penfield Falls on Sunday afternoon Douglas Sevelin and his friends sat on the riverbank, taking in the serene atmosphere.

“Today, my friends said they were coming up this side, and I said it’s too hot to stay in the house during the day so I had to come with them,” Sevelin told the Jamaica Observer. “It’s nearby — just five minutes from Papine — so it’s easily accessible.”

Sevelin and his friends are among many Jamaicans escaping to their favourite water spots to cool down from the sizzling heat as temperatures rise this summer.

Over the weekend Penfield Falls and Grove River were abuzz as scores of locals converged on the hidden gems in Gordon Town, St Andrew, to unwind.

About 15 metres from Sevelin and his friends, Loren Wynter relaxed with his wife and son while others enjoyed a quiet swim.

However, just a short walk upstream, the energy shifted. Dancehall music echoed through the hills, and the area transformed into a vibrant party scene complete with a sound system, DJ, liquor, and pockets of partygoers enjoying the river.

Bottles of Hennessy, Wray & Nephew white rum, Don Julio and cranberry juice were carefully positioned on a section of the riverbank near a group of men and women who frolicked in the water.

Sheniel, who was among the group, told the Observer that she had travelled from Trelawny to spend the day with friends. She said the river outing was a welcome break before the start of a new workweek.

“This is the first summer I’ve really come out like this,” she said. “I don’t usually party or anything like that but the river life is nice — everything nice. You’re around good friends; you drink, have fun, then go home, relax, and get ready for work the next day.”

Another patron, who gave his name as Snowman, said the day was all about good company, good energy, and enjoying a Sunday afternoon.

“To be honest, it’s like a happy Sunday moment with only family and friends — my sister, my brother, cousin — just family,” he said, sipping from a white cup. “Me living sweet, all sugar badmind me. Haters been crying. A Hennessy me a drink, and Don Julio. Lots of Wray & Nephew too,” he added.

At another section of the river Chef Germaine was busy in a makeshift kitchen chopping away at fresh seasonings as he prepared a meal for the patrons.

“You know it’s a river party style where people get together and we look bout some fish or whatever. We drink some rum and hold a vibe,” he shared, adding that Penfield Falls has grown in popularity over the years, becoming a go-to chill spot, especially on Sundays.

Further down from Penfield Falls a similar scene unfolded at Grove River, where a number of people gathered.

Danielle, one of the many patrons soaking up the atmosphere, told the Observer that it was her birthday and she chose Grove River as the ideal location to celebrate.

“Today is my birthday and I decided to come to the river,” she said. “I’m having a lot of fun with my family.”

Unlike Penfield Falls, adults have to pay a fee of $200 to enjoy the recreational spot while children pay $100. The river features a waterfall and different sections to meet the swimming needs of visitors — including a much deeper pool at the top and a shallower area suitable for children and families.

There is also a bar situated at the entrance of the location, providing a variety of drinks and refreshments for both residents of the community and those who visit the river.

However, no lifeguard was present at the location — a concern the proprietor acknowledged and said he is working to address.

“I’m planning to have lifeguards here but we’re still developing the location,” the proprietor, who gave his name as Burger, said. “I’ve been here for 10 years and we have a few plans in place, but it also requires resources.”