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A Massachusetts mother, Heather Cassini, is warning others about the dangers of cold water after her 10-year-old son, Declan, collapsed while playing in the ocean at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on July 4. Declan, who had been playing in the 52°F ocean water, suddenly felt ill, became disoriented, collapsed, and started vomiting.
Paramedics later determined he had hypothermia. Cassini, shocked by the experience, wants to alert others that cold shock can occur even in summer, especially when kids play in cold water, and emphasizes that just because someone can handle cold water doesn’t mean they’re immune to its effects.
“My Son Collapsed After Playing in the Ocean”: A Mother’s Chilling Warning About Cold Water Danger
By: [Your Name]
Published on: [Insert Date]
🚨 “I never thought a fun day at the beach could turn into a nightmare.” – Heather Cassini, mother of 10-year-old Declan
What was meant to be a joyous 4th of July celebration at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal for Massachusetts mom Heather Cassini and her 10-year-old son, Declan.
On a seemingly perfect summer day—with bright skies, warm air, and families laughing along the shoreline—no one could have predicted what would unfold next. But within minutes of splashing in the cool ocean water, Declan’s body gave in to something most parents never think to worry about during the summertime: hypothermia caused by cold water shock.
🌊 A Day at the Beach Turns into a Medical Emergency
Heather had brought her son to Hampton Beach for some holiday fun. Like many other kids, Declan was excited to jump into the waves and play freely in the Atlantic Ocean. The sun was out, the sand was warm, and everything seemed safe.
But beneath the inviting blue waves was water measuring a frigid 52°F (11°C)—well below comfortable or safe levels for extended exposure, especially for children.
After playing in the water for some time, Declan suddenly became nauseous, disoriented, and weak. Before Heather could understand what was happening, he collapsed on the beach and began vomiting.
Panic set in.
Paramedics were quickly called to the scene, and after initial assessments, they delivered the chilling diagnosis: hypothermia.
🧊 Understanding Cold Water Shock and Hypothermia
Cold water shock is a real and dangerous response that can affect anyone, regardless of their swimming ability or age. When the human body is suddenly exposed to cold temperatures, it can experience:
- Rapid breathing or gasping
- Disorientation or confusion
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Even in the middle of summer, the ocean can remain dangerously cold—especially in northern coastal areas like New England. Children, due to their smaller body mass, are even more vulnerable to rapid heat loss.
💬 A Mother’s Wake-Up Call
Heather, visibly shaken but thankful her son recovered, is now sounding the alarm to other parents and beachgoers.
“I just want people to know that cold water isn’t always something you feel right away—it sneaks up on you. Declan looked fine. He was having fun. And then suddenly, he wasn’t.”
She shared her story publicly not to scare, but to educate and prevent future tragedies. She emphasized that just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they are, and that not all kids can handle cold water the same way.
⚠️ What Parents Need to Know: Safety Tips for Cold Water
Whether you’re at the ocean, a lake, or even a river—cold water safety matters, even in warm months. Here are some expert-backed tips:
✅ Know the Water Temperature
Before swimming, check the water temperature. Anything below 70°F (21°C) can be dangerous for prolonged exposure, especially for kids.
✅ Limit Exposure Time
If the water is cold, keep dips short and allow frequent breaks to warm up.
✅ Look for Signs of Distress
Watch for shivering, pale skin, slurred speech, or complaints of numbness or dizziness—these are early warning signs of hypothermia.
✅ Dress Appropriately
Consider wetsuits for longer exposure to cold water, particularly in areas known for chilly ocean temps like New England.
✅ Never Assume “It Won’t Happen”
Even strong swimmers and healthy kids can experience cold shock. No one is immune.
🙏 A Grateful Ending, But A Lasting Lesson
Thanks to the fast action of emergency responders, Declan is recovering well. But the emotional weight of the incident still lingers for Heather—and she hopes her experience can become a life-saving lesson for others.
“If sharing this story helps even one parent be more cautious, then it’s worth it,” Heather says.
💡 Final Thoughts
The ocean is beautiful, exhilarating, and powerful—but it’s also unpredictable. As summer approaches and families flock to beaches, lakes, and rivers, awareness is your best protection.
What happened to Declan could happen to anyone. A seemingly harmless swim in cold water nearly turned tragic, and it all happened in a matter of minutes.
Let Heather’s story be a reminder: Stay informed, stay alert, and never underestimate nature—even on the sunniest of days.
🔁 Share This Story
If you found this article helpful or eye-opening, please share it with fellow parents, beach lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Spreading awareness could save a life.
💬 Have You Experienced Cold Water Shock or Hypothermia?
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