A day at the beach is the perfect way to escape the heat, but it also comes with unexpected dangers, as one Massachusetts mother recently learned.
Now, she’s determined to spread awareness.
Heather Cassini recalls a terrifying experience that still haunts her, even though it happened over a week ago. It all unfolded on July 4th at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, where she and her family were enjoying the holiday.
Cassini, 40, was with her 10-year-old son Declan, who seemed to be having a blast in the water. However, the fun quickly turned to panic when Declan suddenly complained about not feeling well. Initially, Cassini wasn’t overly concerned—after all, it was a hot day, and Declan had been playing in the ocean for quite a while.
In a Facebook post that has since gained significant attention, Cassini mentioned that Declan’s breakfast seemed to be too much for him in the midst of the waves, so she decided it was time for him to rest. As they made their way back toward the beach for a break, Declan started to feel disoriented and unexpectedly fell onto a nearby sunbather.
He managed to stand up but collapsed again moments later.
“I’m pregnant, and it was such a struggle to lift him up,” Cassini shared in an interview with Today.com. “Declan was drifting in and out of consciousness, vomiting, and looking incredibly pale.”
Luckily, a group of nearby women sprang into action. They quickly called for help while paramedics on the scene checked Declan’s vital signs, working to stabilize him and regulate his body temperature.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who helped us,” Cassini said. “There were so many nurses around us, and they were truly a blessing.”
Cassini shared that it felt like ages before Declan finally started to respond and talk again. The family waited for him to recover before carefully helping him back to the car.
Doctors later confirmed that Declan had developed hypothermia after being in the ocean’s chilly 52-degree waters.
“I never imagined something like this happening,” Cassini admitted. “You always worry about sunburns or dehydration, but I never thought about cold shock.”
With Declan now fully recovered, Cassini is determined to warn others about the potential risk of hypothermia—even in the summer.
For parents of adventurous kids who love the water, Cassini’s message is clear: don’t assume they can handle everything, no matter how tough they seem. Stay vigilant!
“I never knew you could get hypothermia on a hot summer day,” Cassini emphasized. “It’s a vital lesson for everyone, not just parents.”
