While many seek relief from the summer heat at the beach, Heather Cassini of Massachusetts learned firsthand the dangers of cold ocean water when her 10-year-old son collapsed with hypothermia at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.
Despite the warm air temperatures, the ocean was a chilling 52 degrees. Declan experienced weakness, confusion, and collapsed twice before bystanders, including nurses, intervened. Paramedics soon responded, providing emergency treatment.
Cassini, shaken by the episode, highlighted the dangers of “cold shock” and warned that children’s resilience can be deceptive when exposed to low water temperatures.
Her message is clear: parents must educate themselves and monitor children in the water closely—not only to avoid sunburn or drowning but also cold water-related risks like hypothermia.
