A mum has issued a warning to other parents, after her 10-year-old son’s terrifying collapse after playing at the beach.

Heather Cassani says a fun day out turned into one of the scariest days of her life, and wants her story to raise awareness.

The 40-year-old Massachusetts mum was at New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach in July, the middle of summer in the US. She said her son Declan had a good night’s sleep, had a good breakfast and was well hydrated as they prepared for a day at the beach, on what was a hot and humid day.

“We got to the beach it was high 70s (20°C) to low 80s (26°). Set up our spot for the day and headed to 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 explained in a Facebook post.

“Declan got out a few times to see Tripp (his brother) and get some water. The third time we went down to the water Declan got out after a few minutes and sat down. He said I don’t feel good I think I’m going to throw up.

“So I grabbed Gus (Heather’s third son) and said ok let’s go back to dad you can lay down. I thought the breakfast was too much for the waves and he just needed to lay down.”

But as Heather made her way to her husband John, Declan became disoriented, and fell into another beachgoer.

“I thought he tripped but as he got up he said, ‘Mum I don’t feel good’. (Now I know from him telling me. Everything went white for him and he couldn’t see) We are now in front of a group of ladies and I can see John. I’m yelling I need help as I’m carrying Declan.

“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.
One lady starts running for the lifeguards, the others are trying to keep him conscious as he’s throwing up and passing out.

“The whole team of beach paramedics come over and they are checking vitals, getting him aroused and warm.”

“He had cold shock from the 52 degree (11°C) water and he was becoming hypothermic. They warmed him, the nurses got him hydrated and sitting up.”

Heather says after what felt like an ‘eternity’ Declan started talking and he was eventually back to his normal self.

She’s now used her story as a warning for parents to understand the signs and dangers of hypothermia.

“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.

“Declan is feeling good as new now. We have him home feeding him fuilds and ensuring he feels ok. 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.”