Teenager "lucky" to be alive after being buried in sand at Sussex beach
The coastguard had to be called in order to be cut out of the sand
A teenager is reported to be "very lucky" to be alive after being buried on a beach in West Sussex.
HM Coastguard had been called to deal with the incident, which took place on West Wittering beach just after 4:35pm on Thursday (July 10th).
The 17-year-old had to be cut out of the sand by emergency services who were called to the scene, after her dug a hole 7-feet into the ground.
He was eventually given oxygen and was checked over by paramedics at the scene before being discharged.
A statement from the coastguard said: "At around 4.36pm yesterday afternoon, HM Coastguard received reports of a casualty buried in sand at West Wittering beach.
Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to the scene, and the casualty was removed from the sand hole. No medical assistance was required."
The coastguard has previously urged people against digging sand holes as it can cause more problems if someone gets into difficulty.
"Buckets and spades, digging holes and playing in the sand are all part of the fun at the beach – and long may it continue.
“But there are hidden risks of serious injury from falls when deep gaps are left unfilled, often where children are running around.
“Sand is also unstable and can suddenly collapse on top of you if you’re digging a hole, tunnel or piling it up beside you. It can cause crushing or suffocation."