KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--Sizzling temperatures didn't keep George Ferguson - or his family and friends - from grilling out at Carl Cowen Park Saturday.

"Baby back ribs, steak, chicken, hot dogs for the kids," said Ferguson.

To beat the heat, many went out on the water, while others got in it.

"It's so hot, but with the water out here, it's awesome," said Lamanda Evans, who was enjoying the park's splash pad with her daughter.

But Evans said she was worried about the code orange air quality alert for ozone issued for many parts of East Tennessee. A code orange means ground level ozone may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.

"I have respiratory issues, and walking around, it's really hard to breath," said Evans.

It's a worry some at Inskip pool in Knoxville had, too.

"My nephew has really bad asthma. So anything with the pollution and the ozone, we try to keep him inside so he won't have an asthma attack," said Eva Johnson.

Saturday was opening day for Knoxville's two public pools - making a lot of kids happy, despite the heat and air quality alert.

"It's hot and it's the perfect day to be in the pool!" said Carson Cook.

Emily Thorpe said, "I'm having fun swimming with all of my friends and jumping off the diving board!"

Many people said they plan to be outside all weekend long regardless of the ozone warnings and hot temperatures - and will use plenty of sunscreen and drink water to stay safe and cool.