Mom’s Urgent Warning: 10-Year-Old Son Collapses After Ocean Play
Mom’s Urgent Warning After Son Collapses at Beach
A day at the beach is a perfect escape from the sweltering heat, but a recent experience has taught one Massachusetts mother about a hidden danger at the shore.
Heather Cassini, 40, and her family were enjoying Hampton Beach in New Hampshire on July 4 when her 10-year-old son, Declan, suddenly began feeling unwell. At first, Cassini thought Declan’s discomfort was due to the heat and his play in the ocean.
“I assumed he just needed to rest after the waves,” Cassini shared in a now-viral Facebook post. But as they tried to head back, Declan became disoriented and collapsed, falling onto a sunbather. Despite briefly regaining his footing, he collapsed again, pale and vomiting.
Cassini, who is pregnant, struggled to help her son as he slipped in and out of consciousness. Thankfully, a group of nearby women, many of whom were nurses, quickly came to their aid. Paramedics soon arrived, checked Declan’s vitals, and worked to stabilize him.
After what felt like an eternity, Declan was able to speak and was taken to their car. It was later determined that Declan had suffered from hypothermia due to the surprisingly cold 52-degree ocean water.
“I never realized this could happen,” Cassini admitted. “We often think about sunburns and dehydration, but cold shock never crossed my mind.”
Now fully recovered, Declan’s mother wants to share this crucial lesson with others. “If your kids love the water, remember that even in summer, cold water can pose a risk. Just because they can handle the cold doesn’t mean they won’t suffer from it.”
This warning serves as a vital reminder that hypothermia can occur even on a hot summer day. Keep an eye on the water temperature and your children’s wellbeing to avoid similar emergencies.
