Summer days at the beach are meant to be carefree, with sun-soaked hours spent splashing in the waves and building sandcastles. But as one Massachusetts mother recently learned, the ocean’s tempting waters can pose a hidden danger, even on the warmest of days.
Heather Cassini, 40, was visiting Hampton Beach in New Hampshire on July 4th with her family when her 10-year-old son Declan suddenly fell ill. At first, Cassini thought it was just too much excitement and ocean play, but soon Declan became disoriented and collapsed, going in and out of consciousness and vomiting.
“I’m pregnant and frantically trying to pick him up,” Cassini recounted to Today.com. “He’s going in and out of consciousness and vomiting. And he was so pale.”
It was a terrifying ordeal, but the quick action of bystanders, including a group of nearby nurses, helped stabilize Declan until the paramedics arrived. After what Cassini described as “an eternity,” Declan was up and talking, and it was determined that he had been suffering from hypothermia, despite the scorching summer temperatures.
“I had no idea that this could happen,” Cassini said. “You think about sunburns and dehydration and all the things that can happen in the water, but I never considered cold shock.”
But Declan’s experience is a sobering reminder that hypothermia can strike even on the hottest summer days. The ocean water temperature at Hampton Beach that day was a chilly 52 degrees Fahrenheit – cool enough to quickly sap the body’s heat, even in the midst of a heat wave.
When the body is suddenly exposed to cold water, it can trigger a physiological response called cold water shock. This rapid cooling of the skin and muscles causes the heart rate to spike, breathing to become rapid and shallow, and blood vessels to constrict. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
And it doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water temperatures below 70°F (21°C) can lead to hypothermia in as little as 10-15 minutes.
Cassini now wants to warn other families about the risks of hypothermia, even on the sunniest summer days.
“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 cautioned.
* Tips for Staying Safe in the Water
- Check the water temperature before going in, and be mindful of how long you or your children spend in the water.
- Dress appropriately in insulating, quick-drying clothing or wetsuits to retain body heat.
- Take frequent breaks to warm up on shore.
- Be aware of the signs of hypothermia, including shivering, confusion, and drowsiness.
- Keep a close eye on children, who may not recognize the signs of cold stress.
- Avoid alcohol, which can impair your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- The Importance of Knowing First Aid
In Declan’s case, the quick response of the bystanders likely saved him from more serious consequences. Knowing basic first aid for hypothermia – including keeping the person warm, providing dry clothes, and seeking medical attention – can make all the difference.
Heather Cassini’s frightening experience is a stark reminder that the beach can harbor hidden dangers, even on the hottest summer days. By understanding the risks of cold water exposure and taking proactive steps to stay safe, families can enjoy the ocean’s refreshing waters while avoiding the potentially life-threatening effects of hypothermia.
