For many, a day at the beach is the ultimate summer escape, a perfect way to beat the sweltering heat. But while the shoreline offers relief from the oppressive temperatures, one Massachusetts mother discovered an unexpected danger lurking in the cool waters. Her experience has prompted her to raise awareness about a risk that few consider: hypothermia in the middle of summer.
Heather Cassini, a 40-year-old mother, recently shared her terrifying ordeal involving her 10-year-old son, Declan, during a visit to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire on July 4. Despite over a week passing since the incident, Cassini admits that she is still shaken by what transpired.
A Fun Day Turned Scary
Like many families on a hot summer day, Cassini and her son spent time enjoying the waves and cooling off in the ocean. Initially, everything seemed fine. Declan was playing in the water, and Cassini didn’t have any cause for concern. But suddenly, Declan began to complain that he wasn’t feeling well.
“At first, I thought he just needed a break,” Cassini explained in a Facebook post that has since gone viral. “I assumed the combination of breakfast and the waves was too much, and he just needed to lay down for a bit.”
However, as they started walking back toward the shore, Declan’s condition worsened. He became disoriented and stumbled into another sunbather. Though he managed to stand up briefly, he collapsed again moments later.
A Mother’s Instinct
As a pregnant mother, Cassini struggled to assist her son. “I was trying desperately to pick him up, but I couldn’t,” she told Today.com. “He was throwing up, fainting, and his skin turned extremely pale.”
A group of nearby women, including several nurses, noticed the commotion and quickly came to help. They monitored Declan’s vitals, kept him warm, and worked to keep him conscious until paramedics arrived.
Cassini expressed deep gratitude for the quick-thinking individuals who intervened. “May God bless everyone who was around us that day. There were so many nurses who stepped in to help,” she said.
After what felt like an eternity, Declan regained consciousness and began speaking. “He was up and talking again after what seemed like a lifetime,” Cassini recalled. Once Declan appeared stable, they got him to the car and waited to see if he would recover further.
The Diagnosis: Summer Hypothermia
The family soon learned the surprising cause of Declan’s symptoms. Despite the warm summer air, the ocean water was a chilly 52 degrees. Declan had developed hypothermia—a condition Cassini never imagined could occur on such a hot day.
“I had no idea this could happen,” Cassini admitted. “You think about sunburns and dehydration when you’re at the beach, not hypothermia. Cold shock wasn’t even on my radar.”
Understanding Hypothermia in Warm Weather
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can generate it, causing a dangerous drop in core temperature. While it’s commonly associated with freezing winter conditions, it can also happen in cool water, even during summer. Prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to cold shock, muscle weakness, disorientation, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.
Children are particularly vulnerable because their smaller bodies lose heat more quickly than adults. Additionally, kids may not recognize the early warning signs of hypothermia, such as shivering or numbness, especially when they’re excited and having fun.
A Mother’s Mission to Raise Awareness
Declan’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous, but the experience has left a lasting impression on Cassini. She’s now determined to educate others about the hidden dangers of hypothermia during summer outings.
“I never thought this could happen on such a hot day,” she said. “Parents need to know that just because kids don’t feel cold, it doesn’t mean they’re safe.”
In her viral Facebook post, Cassini urged other families to stay vigilant. “Just a heads-up to parents with water-loving kids,” she wrote. “If your child says they’re not cold, that doesn’t mean their body can handle the water temperature.”
Tips for Staying Safe
Cassini’s story serves as a critical reminder for beachgoers everywhere. Here are a few tips to help prevent hypothermia during summer outings:
- Check Water Temperatures: Always check the water temperature before swimming. Even on hot days, the ocean can be dangerously cold.
- Limit Time in Cold Water: Encourage frequent breaks to warm up, especially for children.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Look out for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, pale skin, disorientation, or weakness.
- Bring Warm Clothes: Pack extra towels and blankets to help warm up after swimming.
A Lesson for All
Cassini’s harrowing experience is a sobering reminder of how quickly a fun day at the beach can turn dangerous. Her message is not just for parents but for anyone who enjoys water activities.
“It never occurred to me that hypothermia could occur on a sweltering summer day,” Cassini said. “This is such an important message—not just for parents, but for everyone.”
By sharing her story, Cassini hopes to prevent others from facing the same frightening experience. For her, the day may have started as a simple escape from the heat, but it ended as a life lesson about the hidden risks of summer fun.
