We’ve been at the beach on cooler days for walks and no matter how many times we say “don’t get wet” they always manage to “accidentally “ fall in. It’s important to be vigilant at the beach. My concern is always sharks, yes I am paranoid and watched Jaws way too many times, but we are also watching for when we think the kids have had enough and look for signs of getting too cold. Then it’s time to bundle them up into the car with the heaters going full blast. Luckily we are always prepared when heading to the beach for walks and always bring towels.

This was obviously very traumatic for the mother. However, it seems very unlikely in our climate, and rare even in hers. I appreciate she feels better talking about it, but it is only something to be aware of in a cold climate with little kids that have zero introception skills.

That would have been a terrifying time to go through. I’m so glad he’s feeling better now.

That’s so scary and I didn’t know that could actually happen

Thanks for sharing your story. I have been going to the beach with my children all my own and their lives and had never seen or heard of this before. A warning ready for our summer.

Not something I’d have considered before either. I don’t think my kids would have stayed in the water for too long if it was cold. Luckily she was paying attention

Oh gosh that would have been super scary. Need to make sure you bring adequate hydration for everyone when you go out in the sun.

That must’ve been so scary for everyone involved. No one ever thinks it could happen to them

How terrifying, but thankyou for bringing awareness. Never knew this was a thing.

Wow, very scary. I never would have thought of this happening on a warm day at the beach. But then if my kids felt the water was cold (me too) they probably wouldn’t linger and we would get out. I have seen what hypothermia is like when hiking in cold. My son literally fell over and though he was conscious, he was unresponsive, so it’s no joke and always important too to keep up blood sugars when exercising in cold conditions.

That would be so scary! Glad he’s ok. Didn’t know that was thing either

I didn’t know this could happen. I’m so glad this mother shared her story as a warning to others so we have some idea of what his happening and why.

Wow that’s a scary moment to have. Glad he is ok

Never heard of it either. Hoping that, as the story is from the US, maybe it Dorset apply to us here in Australia. And to think we all go to thr beach for a day of fun, when in reality it’s so full of danger. Life is a roller coaster

Wow this is super scary. I would never have thought this could ever happen. It is so great that there are people out there sharing their story with the world to help promote awareness and ensure other parents are across this. I would never have thought anything like this could happen.

Oh wow, that is super scary. My kids are always asking to go swimming no matter what the temperature is and this story has made me super glad I always so no when it’s too cold. I don’t even feel guilty about it anymore either. Kids just don’t realise how dangerous it can be.

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 23 Sep 2024 , 8:25 am

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  Yes, and not only the temperature of the water ! Coastal waters around the world are dangerous for several reasons; tides, currents, and rip tides pose a risk for drowning, plants and animals can harm humans through accidental contact, self-defense, or attack and not to forget overheating, undercooling and swallowing of the salty seawater can cause dehydration

I’ve never seen this either but good to be aware of.

This is not something you’d instinctively think of.

Great care has to always be taken when swimming in the ocean, river, lake or a pool. We always check the weather conditions and adjust plans accordingly. It is so important to be across all possible signs of children being unwell and being able to handle these indeed scary situations.

Hypothermia is a condition whereby the core temperature drops below 35 C. Hypothermia occurs after exposure to cold, wet or windy conditions. When you’re exposed to cold, your body expends energy to keep you warm. Eventually, with continued exposure to cold temperatures, your body uses up its stored energy and your body temperature begins to fall. You’re not able to warm yourself back up

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 21 Sep 2024 , 5:10 am

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  Hypothermia can happen so easily to young children because they have less muscle mass than grown adults. We always prepare and have many layers clothing with us when we are outdoors; particularly when bush walking and outdoors as the weather conditions can turn so quickly and be so very dangerous.

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    • • Ellen replied
      • 21 Sep 2024 , 7:25 am

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    A wise decision for sure ! My nephew died some years ago from hypothermia. He was studying in Canada and turned out to have an unknown heart desease (Brugada syndrome) which caused his heart and body not to be able to cope with the sudden cold. It was very sad.