Digging Holes at the Beach Can Be Dangerous, Study Says

Many Americans enjoy beach vacations each year, seeking sun, sand, and sea. However, they may not realize the dangers of digging holes in the sand, writes Science Alert.

In February 2024, a tragic event occurred when a 7-year-old girl died after a 5-foot hole she was digging with her brother collapsed. Efforts from nearby individuals to rescue her were hampered by the time it took local firefighters to arrive, contributing to the tragedy.

While it might seem playful, digging deep holes can rapidly become dangerous. Sand can collapse and bury individuals, making escape extremely challenging. Research indicates that deaths from sand burial suffocation surpass those caused by shark attacks.

Sand is classified based on grain size, not as a material itself. Grains range from 0.0025 to 0.08 inches (0.06 to 2 millimeters) in diameter. Quartz sand, primarily composed of silicon dioxide, is the predominant type. Tropical coasts may have coral sand, made of calcium carbonate.

Materials coarser than sand are not considered soft and cannot effectively create sandcastles. Conversely, silt and clay, which are finer, often lead to murky water and are commonly identified as mud.

The weight of sand varies depending on composition. Pure quartz sand at the beach can weigh about 90 pounds per cubic foot when dry, while mixed sands often weigh up to 130 pounds per cubic foot. A pile of dry, loose sand is stable at an angle of about 33 degrees, known as the angle of repose.

When sand is wet, it is more stable due to surface tension. However, once dry, stability decreases; thus, holes lose structural integrity and can collapse.

A sand hole's stability quickly decreases when the surrounding sand dries or additional weight is applied by someone standing nearby. The heavy grains then fill the hole, depriving any trapped individuals of necessary air to breathe.

Unlike snow, where trapped skiers can create air pockets, sand does not allow for such escape. A rescue attempt is generally very challenging since sand is substantial and collapses easily. Rescuers have only approximately three to five minutes to save someone trapped in a sand hole before suffocation occurs.

Firefighters and professionals use boards over the hole to prevent weight from complicating recovery efforts. It is advised to never dig deeper than the shortest person’s knee height. A depth of about 2 feet (0.6 meters) should be the maximum.

When attempting a rescue, focus on uncovering the victim's mouth and removing sand from their chest. This allows for administering rescue breathing as others work to dig the victim out.

Having too many individuals attempt rescue efforts can hinder more than help. Ideally, two or three individuals should work directly around the victim, while others clear sand from the larger area with available tools like buckets, shovels, or even beach chairs.

Between 1997 and 2007, there were 31 reported sand hole-related deaths in the U.S., with a significant majority being children. About 87% of victims were male, and during this period, 21 survivors required CPR after being involved in sand hole collapses.

Victims of these incidents ranged in age from 3 to 21 years. Typically, the holes measured between 2 to 15 feet (0.6 to 4.6 meters) in diameter and 2 to 12 feet (0.6 to 3.7 meters) deep. Activities such as digging, tunneling, or jumping into holes often resulted in unexpected collapses.

Such incidents can occur suddenly, even in seemingly safe conditions. During your next beach outing, be vigilant around sand holes and fill them promptly. Even a shallow hole poses a risk to those who might trip or fall into it.

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