Summertime is synonymous with sunshine, outdoor fun, and family trips to the beach. While the warm weather and inviting waters offer a perfect escape, they can also pose unexpected dangers, even to the most vigilant parents. Heather Cassani’s recent experience at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire serves as a critical reminder that hypothermia can strike even in the heat of summer.
A Day at the Beach Takes a Turn
On July 3, Heather Cassani and her family set out for what they expected to be a fun-filled day at the beach. The weather was perfect, with temperatures hovering in the high 70s to low 80s. The family ensured they were well-hydrated and ready for a day of sun and surf. Heather’s sons, Gus and Declan, were particularly excited to hit the water.
“We got to the beach, it was high 70s low 80s. Set up our spot for the day and headed to the water. Gus played in the sand running from the water. Declan was in the water playing. I was watching them because of the waves and well, it’s a body of water. I was scanning for dangers in the water or their safety,” Heather wrote in a Facebook post recounting the incident.
Declan’s Sudden Illness
While everything seemed normal at first, the situation quickly escalated. Declan, who had been joyfully playing in the water, suddenly felt unwell. He told his mother that he felt like vomiting. As Heather and Declan walked toward her husband, Declan collapsed and began to vomit, alarming everyone around them.
“Declan passes out onto the beach and starts throwing up all over. The ladies jump up and scream call 911. They are in the medical field and can see he’s in distress,” Heather wrote. “One lady starts running for the lifeguards, the others are trying to keep him conscious as he’s throwing up and passing out.”
The Cold Shock and Hypothermia
The water temperature that day was a chilling 52 degrees, significantly colder than the warm air. Declan was experiencing “cold shock,” a sudden and severe reaction to the cold water, which can lead to hypothermia. Despite the warm weather, the cold water had a drastic effect on his body.
The emergency responders acted quickly, working to warm Declan and keep him hydrated. After receiving immediate care, Declan began to recover. “He bounced back like only Declan could,” Heather shared.
Heather’s Shock and the Lesson Learned
Heather, an experienced beachgoer, was taken aback by what happened to her son. She had never witnessed or even heard of someone going into shock due to cold water, especially on such a warm day.
“I had no idea this could happen. I’ve been going to the beach my whole life. I’ve never seen or heard this happen. The paramedics said they see it a lot, especially with the lifeguards,” she explained in her Facebook post.
