A day at the beach can be a great way to beat the heat, but one Massachusetts mom’s recent experience is a stark reminder that even in the midst of summer fun, danger can lurk beneath the surface.
Heather Cassini, 40, is still shaken by the events of July 4, when her 10-year-old son Declan suddenly collapsed after playing in the ocean at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire.
At first, Cassini thought Declan was just overheated and needed to rest. But as they began to head back to their spot, Declan became disoriented and collapsed onto a nearby sunbather. Despite managing to stand up again, he stumbled to the ground once more.
Cassini, who is pregnant, was frantic as she tried to pick Declan up. He was going in and out of consciousness, vomiting, and had turned pale. Luckily, a group of women nearby, including several nurses, sprang into action to help.
Paramedics arrived and worked to keep Declan conscious and warm. After what felt like an eternity, Declan began to recover, and the family was able to get him to the car.
It was later determined that Declan had suffered from hypothermia due to the 52-degree ocean water. Cassini was shocked, having never considered the risk of cold shock, even on a hot summer day.
Now that Declan has fully recovered, Cassini is sharing her story to warn others about the dangers of hypothermia, even in the midst of summer. Her message is clear: just because kids can handle the water doesn’t mean they’re immune to its risks.
This terrifying experience serves as a vital reminder to parents and beachgoers alike to be aware of the potential dangers that lurk beneath the surface, even on a hot summer day.
