Two children were having a fun day at the seaside when they were unexpectedly pulled into a sinkhole. The incident occurred as the boys were digging a hole at Newport Beach in California, and the rising tide swiftly engulfed them, leaving them trapped waist-deep in the sand. Frantic parents attempted to free them as onlookers rushed to their aid, using their hands and beach buckets in a rescue effort that was captured on video and has since garnered over 20 million views.
Upon hearing one of the boys shout for a lifeguard, beachgoers quickly sought help. Lifeguards swiftly responded, with one plunging into the hole to extract the children while the other constructed a barrier to divert water away from the sinkhole. Fortunately, the youngsters were successfully rescued from their sandy predicament.
Reflecting on the incident, Lifeguard Mark Herman noted that such occurrences are not uncommon, cautioning that seemingly stable sand can collapse when saturated with water. He emphasized the importance of beach safety, highlighting the swift and unpredictable nature of sinkholes and the need for vigilance, especially with rising tides.
A witness, Brittney Hood, expressed relief that the children were unharmed, acknowledging the potential danger of such incidents. This incident serves as a reminder of the risks present at the beach, prompting vigilance and awareness among beachgoers to prevent similar accidents.
In a related incident, the HM Coastguard Southend issued a “risk to life” warning after a large sinkhole measuring 7ft appeared on Shoebury East Beach in Essex. The area was cordoned off, and beach visitors were urged to stay clear due to the potential dangers posed by collapsing sand. Authorities emphasized the hazards of sinkholes and the need for caution to prevent accidents and ensure beach safety.