Teen buried in sand on West Wittering beach 'lucky' to survive

Teen buried in sand on West Wittering beach 'lucky' to survive

Emergency workers were called to West Wittering beach in West Sussex to assist a teenage boy who had been buried in sand by his friends. The coastguard emphasized that the teenager was very fortunate not to suffocate while buried seven feet deep in the sand. He was carefully extricated from the sand, given oxygen, and then assessed by lifeguards and paramedics to ensure his well-being.

The coastguard voiced concerns about the dangers of playing in the sand without proper precautions. While activities like digging holes and building sandcastles are popular pastimes at the beach, there are hidden risks of serious injury. The spokesperson stressed the importance of filling in deep gaps to prevent falls and collapse, which can lead to crushing or suffocation.

Sand rescues require a delicate and methodical approach to avoid harming the trapped individual. The first line of rescuers meticulously sweeps back the sand by hand to prevent further injury. They are supported by additional rescuers who use buckets, spades, and other tools to safely remove the excavated material. This process aims to prevent the sand from collapsing back into the hole and worsening the situation.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the coastguard advised beachgoers to exercise caution when digging holes in the sand. They recommended keeping holes no deeper than waist height and filling them in once playtime is over. By raising awareness of the potential dangers associated with playing in the sand, they hope to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all beach visitors

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