It was a perfect summer day at the beach – the kind of day families dream of.
The sun was shining, the waves were rolling and the salty breeze offered a welcome escape from the sweltering heat. But for Heather Cassini and her family, what started as a carefree vacation trip turned into a terrifying ordeal no one saw coming.
What appeared to be just another day splashing around in the ocean quickly turned into a life-threatening medical emergency, leaving Cassini shaken and determined to spread awareness of the unexpected danger lurking beneath the surface.
There’s no better way to beat the scorching temperatures than a day at the beach. But as one Massachusetts mother discovered, the coast has its hidden dangers.
Heather Cassini, 40, shares her story to warn others. Although the terrifying incident happened more than a week ago, she says she is still “shaking”.
On July 4, while visiting Hampton Beach in New Hampshire with her family, Cassini’s 10-year-old son Declan suddenly felt unwell after playing in the ocean.
Cassini wasn’t worried at first. The hot weather and ocean activity made her assume he was just tired or that breakfast made him sick. “I thought the waves and his food mixed badly and he just needed to rest,” she explained in the now-viral Facebook post.
However, as they began to return to him to lie down, Declan became disoriented and collapsed on a nearby couch. Although he managed to get to his feet, he soon stumbled and fell again.
“I’m pregnant and I’m desperate to pick him up,” Cassini told Today.com. “He was passing out, vomiting and looked extremely pale.
A group of close women quickly stepped in to help. Paramedics were called to monitor Declan’s vital signs, keeping him conscious and preventing further cooling.
“God bless all the people around us — there were so many sisters,” Cassini said.
After what felt like an eternity, Declan regained his composure and began to speak again. Once he felt better, the family brought him to the car.
Declan was later confirmed to have developed hypothermia from the 52-degree ocean water.
“I had no idea this could happen,” Cassini admitted. “You think about sunburn, dehydration, or other risks associated with water, but I never thought about cold shock.”
Now that Declan has fully recovered, Cassini is determined to raise awareness of the potential dangers of hypothermia in the summer.
“This is a warning to parents with children who seem immune to the cold and love the water,” she warned. “Just because they think they can, doesn’t mean they can.
Heather Cassini’s experience is a powerful reminder that even in summer, cold water can pose serious risks, especially to children who are unaware of the dangers.
Her son Declan’s ordeal highlights the importance of being vigilant about water temperature and watching for signs of distress, no matter how innocuous the situation may seem. Cassini hopes that by sharing her story, she will help other families stay safe and enjoy their time at the beach without unexpected emergencies.
Heather Cassini’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk even in seemingly perfect summer settings. What began as a fun family outing at the beach quickly turned into a life-threatening situation when her son, Declan, collapsed due to hypothermia after playing in the cold ocean water. This unexpected medical emergency left Cassini shaken, but it also sparked her determination to raise awareness about the risks of cold shock, which many parents might not consider when spending time by the water.
Declan’s recovery after the frightening episode brings hope, but it also emphasizes the need for greater vigilance, especially with children who are drawn to the water and may not recognize the signs of cold-related distress. Cassini’s warning to other families to be aware of water temperatures and watch for signs of hypothermia could prevent similar frightening situations. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage parents to stay mindful of all potential risks, from sunburns to the less obvious dangers of cold water, so they can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable time at the beach.