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OC Lifeguards Captain Brad Herzog told Mercury News in 2018 that sand holes have become a dangerous threat to which many are oblivious.
“It’s one of those dangers people don’t realize,” he explained. “People think it’s silly when we tell them not to dig a hole. A lot of people aren’t aware of the danger it poses.”
His remarks came following an incident at the South Laguna Highlights in California, in which a 7-year-old boy was buried up to his nose in a 4-foot-deep hole. Thankfully, lifeguards managed to rescue the boy in the nick of time.
“It sounded like his nose was just above the sand and he was able to breathe,” Herzog recalled. “Our lifeguards were able to dig around his mouth and get his airway open so they could dig him out.”
For Illustration Purposes Only – istockphoto.com/CeciliaLascialfari
Last year, in an effort to spread awareness about the dangers surrounding sand digging, the Midway Fire Rescue took to Facebook with a stark warning.
“Over the past few years there have been incidents where holes that have been dug in the sand have suddenly collapsed on the people inside,” they wrote last June, according to WMBF news. “These accidents have proven to be dangerous and even fatal.”
The firefighters explained that when a hole is dug more than a few feet deep, the walls can quickly collapse, entrapping whoever might be inside. They also cautioned that such holes pose a danger to unsuspecting beachgoers who might be walking or running down the shore when they suddenly fall in or trip over one. “Don’t let a hole that you have dug cause a twisted ankle or worse!” they wrote. Additionally, turtles risk becoming trapped in the holes and unable to free themselves.
Lastly, the firefighters explained that such incidents could hinder their work, as it is often difficult for them to reach the victims “both quickly and safely” with their vehicles on the sandy beaches.
We’re glad Conner Fitzgerald was able to rescue little Alyssa Bostic. Were you aware of the dangers surrounding sand digging? Let us know in the comments, and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!