The UK Coastguard has issued a warning to parents about a surprisingly dangerous beach activity: digging large holes in the sand. While building sandcastles and splashing in the sea are classic summer pastimes, authorities in Cleethorpes have advised beachgoers to avoid digging deep holes, as they can cause injury and, in extreme cases, suffocation. The warning applies to beaches across the country as warmer weather attracts more visitors.
Why Digging Holes Can Be Dangerous
Senior Coastal Operations Officer Allan Norman of HM Coastguard explained the risks: 'While buckets and spades are fun, most of us wouldn't dream of digging a 5ft deep hole in a park where children are running around. It's the same on busy beaches: deep holes are hard to spot and pose a risk of someone falling in and being injured, especially little children and older people.'
Beyond the risk of falls, there is also the danger of sand collapsing on top of a person, causing injury or suffocation. Such incidents often require whole teams of rescuers, and the Coastguard urges people to be aware of others on the beach and the potential hazards of digging too deep.
Coastguard Safety Tips for Digging Holes at the Beach
- Keep holes no deeper than waist height.
- Avoid digging tunnels, which are more prone to collapse.
- Fill in holes before leaving the beach to prevent injuries to others.
- If you are in trouble by the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Past Incidents and Fatalities
While sand burial suffocations are rare, they have occurred. In July 2025, a 17-year-old died in Italy after a sand tunnel collapsed on top of him. A 2017 US study found that 31 people had been killed in 10 years due to collapsing sand holes, with 21 others rescued. Most victims were children.
In the UK, a 14-year-old boy was rescued in 2023 after the hole he was digging on a Lincolnshire beach collapsed, trapping him up to his neck in sand. In July 2025, another teenager was deemed 'extremely lucky' not to have suffocated after being buried seven feet deep in sand on a West Sussex beach.
Expert Advice
The Coastguard emphasizes that even seemingly harmless activities can have serious consequences. By following simple safety guidelines, beachgoers can enjoy their time without putting themselves or others at risk. Always fill in holes before leaving, and keep an eye on children playing in the sand.
