Warning of 'serious danger' in UK seaside town after children's 'harmless fun'
A group of children, supervised by their parents, dug a massive hole in the sand, creating a potential hazard.
Beachgoers in Polzeath, Cornwall have been warned of the "serious danger" posed by digging large holes in the sand after a six-foot pit was discovered near a popular café.
The warning comes after a group of children, supervised by their parents, dug the massive hole on the Polzeath beach, leaving it unfilled and creating a potential hazard.
The Polzeath Beach Ranger Service, who posted a video of the 1.8-meter (6-foot) hole on social media, expressed their shock at the size of the pit, noting that it was located less than 10 meters from a licensed premises and hidden behind a merchandise trailer, making it difficult to see, especially in the dark.
A concerned member of the public eventually reported the hole and filled it in, but the incident has raised alarms about the potential risks.
"Thankfully, the sand didn't dry out, and the walls stayed firm enough for long enough to prevent a collapse followed by crushing and/or suffocation of the little people," the Beach Ranger Service said.
The Wadebridge Community Fire Station echoed these concerns, warning that while digging in the sand might seem like harmless fun, it can quickly turn dangerous if not done safely.
"Sand by nature is notoriously unstable and can suddenly collapse if you're digging a hole, tunnel, or piling it up beside you, often without warning," they stated.
The fire service urged beachgoers to consider the size and location of any holes they dig, as larger pits have a higher risk of collapsing.
Polzeath Coastguard also supported the fire service's message, cautioning that although such collapses are rare, they can be fatal if someone becomes trapped.
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"There's nothing wrong with digging holes at the beach and filling them with water for your kids to play in", they said. "But please be aware of the risks of digging larger holes and tunnels."
The warning comes in the wake of several tragic incidents, including the death of seven-year-old Sloan Mattingly in February, who was buried by sand while digging a similar-sized pit on a Florida beach.
Another incident involved Josh Taylor, 23, who died last December after falling into a large hole and becoming trapped in the sand on Bribie Island in Queensland.
