A day at the beach is often seen as the perfect escape from summer’s sweltering heat. But for one Massachusetts mother, a family outing turned into a terrifying ordeal when her 10-year-old son collapsed after playing in the ocean. Heather Cassini is sharing her story to warn other parents about a hidden danger many don’t consider: hypothermia, even on a hot summer day.

The Perfect Beach Day

A Family Outing

On July 4th, Heather Cassini, 40, took her family to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire to enjoy a day by the ocean. The weather was hot, and her son Declan was excited to play in the water.

Initial Fun in the Waves

At first, everything seemed fine. Declan was having a great time in the waves, laughing and playing without a care in the world.

A Sudden Change

Feeling Unwell

After a while, Declan started to feel unwell. Heather initially thought it was just too much breakfast mixed with the motion of the waves.

A Mother’s Concern

As they headed back to their spot on the beach so Declan could lie down, things took a turn for the worse. Declan became disoriented and collapsed on a sunbather.

The Frightening Collapse

Panic Sets In

Heather, who is pregnant, frantically tried to help her son. Declan was going in and out of consciousness, vomiting, and looked incredibly pale.

Help Arrives

A group of nearby women, many of whom were nurses, saw the commotion and rushed to help. They checked Declan’s vitals and worked to keep him conscious and warm.

The Role of Paramedics

Emergency Response

Paramedics arrived and continued to monitor Declan, ensuring he stayed conscious and stable. After what felt like an eternity to Heather, Declan began to recover.

Understanding the Cause

The Shocking Diagnosis

It was determined that Declan had suffered from hypothermia due to the 52-degree ocean water. Despite the hot weather, the cold water had a severe impact on his body.

Heather’s Realization

Heather was shocked. “I had no idea that this could happen,” she said. “You think about sunburns and dehydration and all the things that can happen in the water, but I never considered cold shock.”

Spreading Awareness

A Mother’s Mission

Now that Declan has fully recovered, Heather is determined to warn other parents. She shared her experience in a Facebook post that quickly went viral.

The Viral Post

Heather’s message is clear: “Just a warning to those with kids who feel no cold and love the water. Just because they can handle it doesn’t mean they can handle it.”

Understanding Hypothermia

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. It can happen even in warm weather if the water is cold enough.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms include shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. In severe cases, it can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Prevention Tips

Check Water Temperatures

Always check the water temperature before allowing children to swim, especially in the ocean where temperatures can be deceivingly cold.

Take Regular Breaks

Encourage children to take breaks from the water to warm up, especially if they start to feel cold or show any signs of hypothermia.

Community Support

Gratitude for Helpers

Heather is grateful for the quick actions of the people around them and the paramedics who helped save Declan. She hopes her story will raise awareness and prevent similar incidents.

A Powerful Message

“I had no idea you could get hypothermia even on a hot summer day! This is such an important message to everyone, not just those with children.”

Conclusion

Stay Vigilant

Heather Cassini’s story is a powerful reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk even on the most seemingly perfect beach days. By sharing her experience, she hopes to educate and protect other families from the unexpected threat of hypothermia.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, always be vigilant when it comes to water safety, no matter the weather. Check water temperatures, limit exposure, and be aware of the signs of hypothermia. Heather’s warning could save lives and ensure that a day at the beach remains a fun and safe activity for all.