A boy was almost buried alive on a busy Westcountry beach yesterday (June 1). Emergency services rushed to Exmouth seafront, in Devon, after the teenager got stuck in the sand as the tide came in.
It is reported that police, coastguard, RNLI, fire and the ambulance service were all called to the scene shortly after 5pm. The boy was safely rescued and passed in to the care of paramedics.
As reported by Devon Live, HM Coastguard Area Commander for South Devon & South-East Cornwall Coastline, Drew Parkinson, has issued a warning to beachgoers. He has urged people not to dig holes in the sand due to the risk of collapse.
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In a statement, a Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard has been coordinating the response after receiving reports of a teenager stuck in the sand at Exmouth with the tide coming in. The initial call came in just after 5pm today (June 1).
"Beer, Dawlish and Exmouth coastguard rescue teams were sent along with Exmouth RNLI lifeboat and Exmouth Beach Lifeguard Unit.
"In addition, South Western Ambulance, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire Service were sent. The teenager has been rescued and passed into the care of the ambulance service."
In a statement on Twitter, Drew Parkinson wrote: "HUGE emergency services response this evening to someone trapped in sand at Exmouth Beach. Dozens of members of the public and emergency services worked tirelessly to save the person from drowning as tide came in.
"Please don’t dig deep holes in sand due to risk of collapse.
"Thanks to the fast response of RNLI Lifeguards and the actions of the public, the person was recovered after some time and passed into the care of ambulance. Well done to the numerous 999 callers reporting the incident to HM Coastguard."
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