There’s a warning to beachgoers in West Wittering after a teenager got stuck in sand.
Lifeguards on the popular beach and Selsey Coastguard Rescue team scrambled to the incident just before 5 yesterday evening.
A teenager had managed to dig a 7-ft hole and then got his friends to bury him.
It could have ended in disaster, but quick-thinking lifeguards managed to free the boy, check him over and give him oxygen.
Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team on social media said "The casualty was extremely lucky that they weren't crushed or suffocated.
"Sandcastles, buckets and spades are among the joys of a trip to the seaside – but some excavations can pose a real risk to visitors, particularly small children.
"Buckets and spades, digging holes and playing in the sand are all part of the fun at the beach – and long may it continue.
"But there are hidden risks of serious injury from falls when deep gaps are left unfilled, often where children are running around.
"Sand is also unstable and can suddenly collapse on top of you if you’re digging a hole, tunnel or piling it up beside you. It can cause crushing or suffocation.
"Avoid digging tunnels or holes deeper than waist height.
"Fill in holes before you leave the beach to prevent injuries to others."
If you’re in trouble by the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.
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