A day at the beach is a great way to escape the summer heat, but a Massachusetts mother recently learned that the coastal setting can pose its own risks. She wants to share her experience as a warning to others.
Heather Cassini is still feeling shaken by the incident that happened over a week ago. On July 4th, while at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, her 10-year-old son Declan suddenly complained of feeling unwell. Initially, Cassini wasn’t worried; Declan had been having fun in the ocean, and the day was quite warm.
In a widely shared Facebook post, Cassini reflected: “I thought he just needed a moment to rest after breakfast and playing in the waves”. However, Declan quickly became disoriented and collapsed, hitting a sunbather as he attempted to find a place to lie down. Although he briefly managed to get up, he fell again.
Cassini, who is pregnant, described her panic to Today.com, saying: “I was doing everything I could to help him”. Declan began to vomit and appeared very pale. A group of nearby women rushed to assist, while paramedics monitored his vital signs and worked to keep him warm and conscious.
“Thank God for everyone around us; there were so many nurses”, she noted. After what felt like an eternity, Declan regained consciousness and was able to talk. Cassini reported that they stayed in the car until he started to feel better.
Doctors diagnosed Declan with hypothermia, which surprised Cassini, who said: “I had no idea this could happen”. She admitted: “You usually think about sunburn or dehydration when considering water-related risks”.
This experience has motivated Cassini to raise awareness about the dangers of hypothermia, even in warm weather. Parents should be mindful that just because children love the water and seem to enjoy themselves, it doesn’t mean they’re immune to its risks. Cassini’s story serves as a crucial reminder for everyone about the potential dangers that can lurk even on hot summer days.