Warning of digging holes in the sand at beaches in Cornwall

Digging holes on the beach is something that many of us will remember doing as a child – or even as an adult.

But coastguards have warned that although this is a fun activity to do at the seaside, there are potential risks involving sand pits and sand collapses, especially if someone has fallen into one.

A member of HM Coastguard Area 11 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastal Safety was swimming at their local beach this week when they noticed the amount of freshly dug holes along the sand.

Writing on the coastguard’s social media page, they said: "Sand hole collapses are rare but can be lethal if you become trapped in one.

"There’s nothing wrong with digging holes at the beach and filling them with water for your kids to play in. But if you dig a hole so deep that your head is barely poking out or burrow into a sand dune then you could be putting your life at risk.

Holes should be a lot smaller on the beach and up to knees on the smallest person in the group. Credit: Getty images

"If it’s taken you three hours to dig your hole – that’s how long, it might take someone to dig you out.

"These deeper types of holes are highly unstable. The wet harder sand that you dig out will dry out in the sun making it lose and the deeper you dig the more danger there is of the hole collapsing inwards and potentially trapping you inside."

The coastguards have given some rules regarding safe ways to still enjoy digging at the beach, which are:

• You can dig holes on the beach, as long as they only take up a small area and are no deeper than the knees of the smallest person in the group.
• There is absolutely no tunnelling allowed.
• Never leave your hole unattended and always fill it back in so it isn't a hazard to others.

The best way to rescue someone trapped is to create a circle of people digging with their hands, then another outer circle will do the same while also removing the sand from the first circle – and add more circles of people digging as they become available.

This will then create a wider, shallow hole, with no risk of any further collapse of sand.

For information on beaches with lifeguards patrolling visit https://www.cornwall-beaches.co.uk/lifeguards

If you see someone in trouble or you need help, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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