A woman was rescued after becoming trapped in unexpectedly thick quicksand near West Kirby Marine Lake on Tuesday, September 16. The incident has prompted the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team to issue a public safety warning about the potential dangers of seemingly solid sand along the local coastline.
Key Takeaways
- A woman was successfully freed by the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team after getting stuck in quicksand at West Kirby.
- The rescue team described the sand as unusually thick and more like quicksand than typical mud, making the extraction difficult.
- Officials have issued a public safety warning, advising beachgoers to be cautious of soft ground that may look like stable wet sand.
- The public is advised to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately if they become stuck.
The Rescue Operation at West Kirby
Emergency services were called to the area near West Kirby Marine Lake on Tuesday afternoon following reports of a woman trapped in the sand. The Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team responded to the scene promptly.
To ensure equipment was readily accessible, the team used a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the Marine Walk path. Two specially trained coastguard mud rescue officers were deployed to carry out the extraction.
The officers successfully freed the woman from the thick sand. A medical assessment was conducted at the scene, and it was confirmed that she had sustained no injuries during the ordeal.
Coordinated Emergency Response
In a statement on its Facebook page, the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team highlighted the coordinated effort involved. They extended a special thanks to a controller in their operations room for her crucial role. "A huge thank you goes to Sarah in our coastguard control room, who kept the lady calm on the phone until help arrived," the statement read. The team also noted that HM Coastguard Crosby was en route to provide support but was diverted to assist at a road traffic collision they encountered.
An Unexpected Danger
Paul Ambrose, the Deputy Station Officer for the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team, commented on the unusual nature of the incident. He explained that the substance was more hazardous than the typical mud patches found in the area.
"Today’s location in West Kirby was more like quicksand than mud. We haven’t experienced quicksand like this in our area before, so it’s definitely something to be aware of when walking on the beach."
Ambrose noted that while the woman did not appear to be deeply trapped initially, the rescue was more challenging than anticipated. "Although this female didn’t look that stuck when we arrived, the sand was really thick, making the extraction harder than we expected for this area," he said.
What is Quicksand?
Quicksand is not a special type of soil but rather a condition where sand or other granular material is saturated with water, creating a liquefied substance. The friction between sand particles is reduced, causing it to lose its ability to support weight. While it's difficult to sink completely due to human buoyancy, movement can make it harder to escape.
Public Safety Advice Issued
Following the rescue, the Coastguard has issued important safety advice for anyone visiting the Wirral coastline. Ambrose stressed the importance of recognizing potential hazards.
"There are a number of mud patches around our coastline which can appear to be wet sand, leaving people suddenly stuck," he warned. He advised the public to be vigilant and take immediate action if they notice the ground becoming unstable.
The official guidance is clear: "Where possible, try to avoid mud patches and if you start to feel the sand softening underfoot, backtrack if you can."
What to Do If You Get Stuck
The Coastguard has provided specific instructions for anyone who finds themselves trapped in mud or quicksand. Remaining calm and avoiding excessive movement are the most critical first steps.
The recommended procedure is as follows:
- Stay Calm: Avoid panicking or making sudden movements, as this can make you sink further.
- Spread Your Weight: If possible, sit down or lean back to distribute your weight over a larger area. This can help prevent you from sinking deeper.
- Call for Help: Immediately dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Provide your location as accurately as possible.
Ambrose concluded with a direct appeal to the public: "If you do become stuck, keep calm, avoid moving too much, spread your weight by sitting down, and call 999 to ask for the Coastguard.” This advice is intended to ensure that anyone in a similar situation can receive professional help quickly and safely.