A Massachusetts mother, Heather Cassini, had a terrifying experience that left her “shaking” after her 10-year-old son Declan suddenly collapsed while playing in the cold waters of Hampton Beach, New Hampshire on July 4. Despite the summer sun and high temperatures, the ocean water temperature was an icy 52 degrees, which led to hypothermia.
Initially, Cassini thought Declan was just overwhelmed or needed to rest, but he quickly became disoriented, collapsed twice, and was pale and vomiting. Nearby beachgoers, including nurses, sprang into action to assist him, keeping him warm and conscious until paramedics arrived.
Declan was hospitalized and diagnosed with hypothermia caused by prolonged exposure to cold water. Cassini stressed she never realized that hypothermia was a risk even on a hot day and urges other parents to be cautious.
The mother warns, “Just because kids can handle it doesn’t mean they can handle it,” reminding families that cold shock and hypothermia can occur suddenly and dangerously during water activities in cool temperatures.
