A fun-filled day at the beach turned into a nightmare for one Massachusetts family when their 10-year-old son suddenly collapsed after playing in the ocean. Heather Cassini, the boy’s mother, is now sharing her terrifying experience to warn others about the dangers of hypothermia, even on hot summer days.
Cassini, who was visiting Hampton Beach in New Hampshire with her family on July 4, recalled how her son Declan complained of not feeling well after spending time in the ocean. Initially, she thought he might be experiencing heat exhaustion or a stomachache from eating too much breakfast. However, as they began to head back to their spot, Declan became disoriented and collapsed on a nearby sunbather.
Despite being able to stand up again, Declan stumbled to the ground once more, leaving his pregnant mother frantic with worry. “He was going in and out of consciousness and vomiting, and he was so pale,” Cassini recounted. Fortunately, a group of women nearby, including several nurses, quickly sprang into action to help.
After what felt like an eternity, paramedics arrived and worked to keep Declan conscious and warm. Eventually, he began to recover, and the family was able to take him home. It was later determined that Declan had suffered from hypothermia due to the 52-degree ocean water.
Cassini admitted that she had no idea hypothermia could occur in the summer, and she wants to spread the word to other parents. “Just because your kids can handle the cold water doesn’t mean they’re immune to hypothermia,” she cautioned. Now that Declan has fully recovered, Cassini hopes that her story will serve as a warning to others and encourage them to be more aware of the potential dangers of ocean swimming, even on warm days.
