breathing in sand while stuck in quicksand

Source: RNLI For more information go to: Do not go into the water yourself – many people drown trying to save others. You sink up to maybe your knees or waist or whatever, then you cant move. If thats the case, why are there still news stories of people drowning in it You get stuck. It changes its viscosity in response to stress or vibration, allowing you to sink, but making it hard to escape. In response to vibration or stress, it turns into a liquid state, which is why a body starts sinking. Quicksand is a non-Newtonian fluid made of sand mixed with water or air. At first glance, it seems to be solid ground, while quiescent. If you have something that floats or they can hold on to, throw it to them. Ive seen a lot of people say that you float on quicksand because it has a greater density than you, and usually the danger with it is getting stuck and starving or dehydrating. The difference between dry sand and quicksand is that the latter has larger spaces between particles. Keep calm and call for help or swim for safety if you are able.Ĭall 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. Relax, float on your back to catch your breath and try to grab something that will help you float.

Have someone keep an eye on you from the beach, and make sure they have a means of calling for help if something goes wrong. The British sea is cold, so take time to get used to the temperature. It isn’t clear where and how much dry quicksand actually exists, though likely locations would be in deserts and at the bases of sand dunes, where air can flow among the fine grains. Make sure you know your limits – remember, swimming in the sea is very different to swimming in a pool. Gradually move your legs and arms to redistribute your weight and float more on the surface. Visit beaches with lifeguards and swim between the red and yellow flagsģ. It’s almost exhausting and you need to preserve all the energy you can. Go with friends and look out for one another, and always have your phone on you at the beach.Ģ. Quicksand will not kill you but it’s difficult to escape from it. The Kiwi had been walking along Milford Beach on Aucklands North Shore when she sunk into the ground, with sand consuming her all the way up to her thighs 'immediately'. Remember it is easy to get into trouble in the waterīe aware of the dangers and do not take risks.

Breathing in sand while stuck in quicksand