Summertime means a lot of sunshine and outdoor fun for many families. Millions flock to beaches this time of year to play in the sand and surf. Although being in the water is a lot of fun, beachgoers have to be careful both on land and in the water. Even the most experienced swimmers may find themselves in a dangerous situation.
Heather Cassani was with her family at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire on July 3 and never suspected the fun day to take a turn. Her son Declan was playing in the water when he suddenly began to feel ill. Even though the outside temperature was warm, the water was cold, and Declan started to experience hypothermia. Now, his mother is warning other parents so their children can stay safe.
More from CafeMom: Parents Issue Warning After Toddler Is Badly Injured Playing Barefoot
Everything seemed fine when they got to the beach.
Cassani explained in her post that she and her husband brought their sons to the beach for an overnight trip. The family ate breakfast at their hotel and ensured they were hydrated before hitting the beach. Declan seemed fine and jumped right into 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," she wrote.
Declan's health took a sudden turn.
The boy got out of the water and told his mom that he didn't feel well and thought he was going to vomit. Cassani explained she and Declan were walking to her husband when the boy suddenly passed out, falling onto someone who was sunbathing.
"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," she wrote in her post. "One lady starts running for the lifeguards, the others are trying to keep him conscious as he's throwing up and passing out."
Declan was reportedly in shock.
His mom explained that the water temperature was 52 degrees, and that Declan was suffering from "cold shock." He began to show signs of hypothermia, and emergency responders did their best to warm him up and get him hydrated.
When he finally felt alert, his parents got him home and continued to care for him. Cassani wrote, "He bounced back like only Declan could."
Cassani was shocked by what happened to her son.
She shared that although she is an experienced beachgoer, she'd never seen anyone go into shock because of cold water.
"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 wrote in her Facebook post.
More from CafeMom: Mom Allegedly Drowned 7-Year-Old Daughter in Creek Because She Wanted 'Time Alone'
Thankfully, Declan is OK.
Cassani wrote that she shared her story as a precautionary tale for other parents.
"Just a warning to those with kids who feel no cold and love the water. Just because they can handle it doesn't mean they can handle it," she wrote.
Many thanked her, such as this person who wrote, "I am so glad he was able to recover completely. You acted quickly and handled it really well Heather. I am so grateful that there were so many knowledgable supportive people nearby. Sending love."
