A teenager was dramatically rescued after becoming buried up to their neck in sand on West Wittering Beach, prompting a warning from emergency services about the dangers of digging deep holes.
The Selsey Coastguard was paged at around 16:47 on Thursday, 10 July, after the teen and friends reportedly dug a huge hole — estimated to be 6 to 7 feet deep — and then buried him inside it.
West Wittering Lifeguards and beach staff were first on scene and quickly called in the coastguard for assistance. After a delicate operation to remove the sand, the teen was given oxygen and taken to the first aid room for assessment. An ambulance was also called as a precaution.
A spokesperson said the casualty was “extremely lucky” not to have been crushed or suffocated.
“Sandcastles, buckets and spades are part of the joy of the seaside,” they said. “But sand can be unstable, especially when holes are dug too deep. It can collapse suddenly, trapping and crushing anyone inside.”
Emergency services urge beachgoers to avoid digging holes deeper than waist height and to always refill any holes before leaving the beach to prevent injuries to others — particularly children running along the sand.
Sand rescues are delicate operations, with rescuers using only their hands at first to prevent putting pressure on the casualty or causing further collapse.
“If you’re in trouble by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” the spokesperson added.
Add your first comment to this post