Visitors warned of ‘absolutely lethal’ danger at North West seaside spot - Manchester Evening News

Visitors warned of ‘absolutely lethal’ danger at North West seaside spotPeople are urged to be "extremely careful" as beaches appear misleadingCommentsNewsLiv Clarke Tourism writer12:40, 04

Jun 2025Quick sand at Silverdale, Morecambe Bay, shared by Bay Search & Rescue on Facebook(Image: Bay Search & Rescue) With summer upon us many will be heading to seaside resorts across the

country. But visitors to Morecambe Bay are warned to watch out for areas of quicksand.

Bay Search and Rescue have issued alerts after discovering more areas of quicksand over “some of the softest sands we have seen for years” which is “absolutely lethal”.

‌ Last month while on patrol in the Silverdale, Bay Search and Rescue members came across dangerous areas of quicksand.

‌ In a post on Facebook, the team said: “In places a twelve foot drop off down to the sand and the main channel, below this soft moving embankment the sand is absolutely lethal and will not

support the weight of anyone trying to cross it, we know as we carefully tested it yesterday.

Quicksand is a problem in Morecambe Bay (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live) “So Please don’t be tempted to walk onto these areas as they are breaking up at the slightest disturbance and cannot

be seen from the main body of sand or the car park.”

Article continues below People are urged to check the tide times closely and be aware that the tide comes in hours before the high tide times. The team added: “Please be extremely careful

around our coastline, if you think someone is in trouble do not hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. “

Speaking to the BBC, Gary Parsons, who leads the rescue team said: “You don’t see it until you’re on it. Then all of a sudden a crack will appear and you will see the water come through the

sand because we're on a giant blancmange."

He warned that the issue had become worse due to “very big spring tides” in recent months.

‌ According to Ivan Unsworth, from Bay Search and Rescue, if people find themselves stuck they should lie down and distribute their weight over as large an area as possible.

He said: "Sit yourself down and spread your weight so you don't sink any further, or even lie down.”

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