UMVA has learned that a dramatic rescue took place off the coast of Rhyl in North Wales, where a volunteer lifeboat crew saved a person trapped in quicksand as the tide rapidly rose.
The casualty was freed from the quagmire by being put in a lifejacket and told to lean back, which managed to release one of their stuck legs. The person was then recovered into the lifeboat and brought back to the lifeboat station for a check over and a cup of tea.
Dougie Lonsdale, who led the rescue, said that conditions on the coast can change in seconds, with tides and quicksand being serious and often invisible hazards. He praised the casualty for calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard, and for staying calm during the ordeal.
Quicksand is a mixture of sand, water, and sometimes clay that behaves like a liquid when it’s disturbed. When water gets trapped between solid sand particles, it reduces friction, making it difficult to pull yourself out quickly.
The real dangers of quicksand are not the quicksand itself, but rather panic, exhaustion while trying to get out, drowning if it’s near water and the tide comes in, and hypothermia if stuck for a long time. You're far more likely to be struck by lightning or injured in daily life than killed by quicksand in the UK.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the recent heatwave has seen a tragic surge in open-water deaths, with 17 reported so far. A 16-year-old girl, Lillianna Tomlinson, was recovered following a roughly hour-long search along the River Tame near Warwickshire’s Kingsbury Water Park on May 25.
Her family expressed their devastation and heartbreak, saying they are "deeply saddened" and "completely devastated" by her death. They thanked the community for their love, compassion, and support.
Other tragic incidents have occurred in recent days, including the death of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer, who died after getting into trouble at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln. A 72-year-old woman also died after being pulled from the water at West Angle Bay beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
In light of the recent deaths, the RNLI has published guidance on how to improve your chances of survival in the water, including floating, which has helped save the lives of over 50 people in various situations.
The RNLI advises that the best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax, and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if needed.
