Teenager resuscitated after being buried in sand pit at De Haan beach

A 14-year-old boy required resuscitation on the beach in De Haan, Belgium, this afternoon after a self-dug sand pit collapsed, burying him. The incident occurred on the West Flanders coast, prompting a swift response from local beach patrols and emergency services.

“

By the ongoing drought, the sand is extremely dry and unstable.

According to the Intercommunale Kustreddingsdienst van West-Vlaanderen (IKWV), the boy had been digging a pit in the sand when it suddenly gave way, trapping him underneath. Rescuers were able to excavate him from the sand, after which he needed to be resuscitated.

“

As a result, the walls of a pit can suddenly collapse.

The IKWV is issuing a strong warning about the dangers of digging deep holes on beaches, especially during periods of dry weather. They explained that the sand becomes extremely dry and unstable, increasing the risk of sudden collapses. Victims trapped in such collapses often cannot free themselves. The IKWV advises beachgoers to never dig deeper than knee-height and to fill in any holes they create before leaving the beach.

“

Anyone who gets buried can usually no longer dig themselves out.