Mother’s Warning After 10-Year-Old Boy Collapses Following Ocean Activities

A Massachusetts Mom’s Beachside Scare: A Vital Lesson About Ocean Safety

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, many people seek solace at the beach. While the beach can offer some much-needed relief, it also comes with its own set of risks. Heather Cassini, a mother from Massachusetts, experienced these dangers firsthand and now hopes to share her story to raise awareness.

Even though the incident took place over a week ago, Cassini, 40, still finds herself shaken by the experience. On July 4, she was enjoying a day at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire with her family when her 10-year-old son Declan suddenly began feeling unwell.

Initially, Cassini wasn’t overly worried. The day was hot, and Declan had been splashing around in the ocean.

“I thought he was just feeling off because of the waves and that he needed to rest,” Cassini recounted in a Facebook post that has since gained widespread attention. However, as they began to leave so Declan could rest, he became disoriented and collapsed on a nearby beachgoer.

Though he managed to get back on his feet briefly, he soon fell to the ground again.

“I’m pregnant and trying desperately to help him,” Cassini told Today.com. “He was going in and out of consciousness, throwing up, and looking extremely pale.”

Fortunately, a group of women nearby quickly came to their aid. Paramedics arrived, checked Declan’s vitals, and worked to keep him warm and alert.

“I am so grateful for the people who came to our aid. There were so many nurses around,” she said.

After what seemed like an eternity, Declan began to recover, and they were able to get him to their car. It was later determined that Declan had developed hypothermia from being in the 52-degree ocean water.

“I never realized that hypothermia could occur in such warm weather,” Cassini said. “You think about sunburn and dehydration at the beach, but cold shock never crossed my mind.”

Now that Declan is fully recovered, Cassini wants to spread the word about the risk of hypothermia, even during the summer months.

“Just a heads-up to all the parents out there with kids who love the water. The cold can be dangerous too, no matter how warm the day might seem.”

This experience is a valuable reminder that beach safety extends beyond just avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated.