Sand collapse dangers demonstration to be held in Encinitas

On Thursday, June 16, crews from the Encinitas Fire Department, Solana Beach Fire Department, CA State Parks Lifeguards and Encinitas Lifeguards responded to a 10-year-old boy that was fully trapped under the sand while playing at the beach. The boy was digging in the sand, as many kids at the beach do every day, when the hole collapsed and buried his entire body. Luckily his father and bystanders were able to quickly call 911 and began digging the sand away from his head. With the help of first responders he was fully extricated from the sand and transported to Children’s Hospital in stable condition.

Sand can weigh around 100 pounds per cubic foot. A 3’x3’ hole dug 3’ deep can weigh approximately 2,700 pounds. With the warm beach weather and July 4 quickly approaching, the Encinitas Fire and Marine Safety Department would like to remind beachgoers of sand collapse dangers. Learn about the dangers of sand collapse during a live demonstration Tuesday, June 28, ay 10:30 a.m. at Moonlight Beach, 400 B Street, Encinitas.