Teen’s Narrow Escape from Sand Burial Sparks Coastguard Warning
Credit :- BCC
A teenager narrowly escaped disaster after being buried seven feet deep in sand at West Wittering beach in West Sussex, according to the coastguard. The incident occurred on Thursday when the boy, who had dug a deep hole, was buried by his friends. Emergency responders carefully freed him, provided oxygen, and handed him over to lifeguards and paramedics for evaluation.
The coastguard warned that such incidents pose serious risks, including crushing or suffocation, due to the instability of sand, which can collapse unexpectedly. They emphasized the dangers of leaving deep holes unfilled, as these can cause injuries, especially to children playing nearby.
Digging holes and playing in the sand is a cherished beach activity, but the coastguard urged caution. Rescuing someone trapped in sand requires a delicate process to avoid further harm. Rescuers work in teams, gently clearing sand by hand to prevent adding pressure on the trapped person, while others use tools like buckets or spades to move sand away and prevent it from collapsing back into the hole.
To stay safe, the coastguard recommended digging holes no deeper than waist height and filling them in after use.