09/01/2024
Summer has its own seasonal threats. Throwing caution to the wind may be a fools errand, or worse.
https://www.facebook.com/100047126350934/posts/1040288310885371/
SUMMER WARNING:
You should never dig a hole in the beach. It can be deadly.
A recent tragedy occurred in February 2024 where a 7-year-old girl died after being buried alive in a collapsing 5-foot sand hole.
Sand hole collapses are more lethal than shark attacks, yet receive far less attention. Dry sand grains form piles with a natural slope angle, and when disturbed, like when digging a hole, they can easily collapse. Wet sand offers temporary stability due to surface tension, but once it dries, the hole is prone to collapse. When a sand hole collapses, it leaves no air pockets for trapped victims to breathe, unlike snow avalanches. The weight of sand is another issue. While pure quartz sand weighs around 90 pounds per cubic foot, most beach sand contains a mixture of heavier minerals, increasing its weight to up to 130 pounds per cubic foot. When a sand hole collapses, this immense weight can quickly fill the space, leaving no air for someone trapped inside to breathe. Rescuing someone from a collapsed sand hole is extremely challenging due to the weight and instability of the sand, with only a 3-5 minute window to save the victim before suffocation occurs. Professional rescuers use specialized techniques, such as placing boards across the hole to distribute weight and using tools to remove sand. Experts recommend never digging holes deeper than knee height of the shortest person in a group, with a maximum depth of 2 feet. In case of a collapse, rescuers should focus on exposing the victim's mouth and clearing sand from their chest. To prevent such tragedies, beachgoers are urged to remain vigilant, avoid digging deep holes, and fill in any holes they encounter on the beach, as even shallow ones can cause injuries.
