Woman Swallowed By Quicksand While Walking On The Beach.
Jamie Acord experienced a frightening ordeal while walking along Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg, Maine, with her husband. What began as a leisurely stroll turned into a terrifying moment when she suddenly found herself waist-deep in quicksand.
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“Literally it was kind of like I just dropped into a manhole cover,” Jamie told PEOPLE. “We were walking along, just talking, and all of a sudden, I went into the sand.”
The Unexpected Quicksand Encounter
Jamie described how the sand engulfed her legs, leaving her unable to move. “I can’t get out,” she recalled telling her husband. Fortunately, her husband was able to pull her out, leaving her with only a few scrapes.
“It was one of those moments where I didn’t know what to do. This has never happened before,” Jamie shared. She frequently visits Popham Beach and had never encountered anything like this.
Woman Swallowed by Quicksand Beach Spreading Awareness and Staying Safe
After the incident, Jamie shared her experience on social media to warn others, especially those who visit the beach alone during off-hours. “If the beach is clearing out and you fall into something like that, you could be stuck,” she cautioned.
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Jim Britt, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, explained that while the scenario sounds like a movie plot, it’s a real risk due to climate change. Winter storms have redirected river water, causing the sand to become supersaturated and unstable.
Tips for Dealing with Quicksand
Despite the danger, Britt assured that being trapped in supersaturated sand is “100 percent survivable.” The key is to stay calm, lean back, and distribute your weight to free yourself. Sean Vaillancourt, who manages Popham Beach, advised crawling out slowly or using a floating position to move freely.
Jamie’s quicksand incident at Popham Beach serves as a reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise. By staying informed and knowing how to react, beachgoers can safely enjoy their time on the sand.
FAQs About Quicksand on Beaches
1. What is quicksand, and how does it form on beaches?
Quicksand is a mixture of sand, water, and clay or silt that creates a semi-liquid, unstable surface. It forms on beaches when water saturates the sand, reducing friction between sand particles and making it easy for someone to sink.
2. Is quicksand dangerous?
While quicksand can be alarming, it is usually not life-threatening if you remain calm and know how to react. The key is to avoid panicking and to use techniques to gradually free yourself.
3. What should I do if I get stuck in quicksand?
- Stay Calm: Panicking can cause you to sink further.
- Lean Back: Distribute your weight by leaning back to increase your surface area.
- Slow Movements: Move your legs slowly to allow water to flow back into the sand, loosening it.
- Crawl Out: If possible, crawl or roll out to distribute your weight more evenly.
4. Can quicksand swallow you completely?
It is very unlikely that you will be completely swallowed by quicksand. Human bodies are less dense than quicksand, making it nearly impossible to sink entirely if you stay calm and use the right techniques.
5. Why is quicksand more common in some areas?
Quicksand is more common in areas with high water saturation, such as riverbanks, tidal flats, and some beaches. Factors like weather patterns and the natural flow of water can contribute to its formation.
6. How can I avoid quicksand on the beach?
- Be Aware: Stay informed about the conditions of the beach you’re visiting.
- Stay on Dry Sand: Avoid walking on wet, muddy areas where water is visible.
- Travel with Others: Walk with a companion, especially in less crowded areas or during off-hours.
7. What are the signs of quicksand?
Quicksand often looks like regular wet sand but may appear smoother and more fluid. You might notice a slight ripple effect or an unusual shine on the surface.
8. Can weather conditions affect quicksand?
Yes, weather conditions, particularly heavy rain or tidal changes, can increase the likelihood of quicksand formation by saturating the sand with water.
9. Are there specific beaches where quicksand is more likely to occur?
Quicksand can potentially form on any beach with the right conditions. However, beaches with significant water flow changes, such as those near rivers or with strong tides, are more prone to quicksand.
10. What should I do if I see someone else stuck in quicksand?
- Stay Calm: Encourage the person to remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Assist Safely: Extend a branch, rope, or other object to help them pull themselves out.
- Avoid Direct Contact: Don’t enter the quicksand yourself, as you might get stuck too.
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