As summer vacation approaches, families eagerly plan trips to the seaside.

Amidst the excitement, it's crucial not to overlook beach safety.

Dr. Bradley Malone, a medical expert from Harvard University who once worked as a lifeguard, became interested in the phenomenon of "sand suffocation" in the summer of 1998.

His research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, emphasized that beach hazards extend beyond waves and sharks to include sand-related accidents.

Malone believes that typically, people are more concerned about the threat of giant waves or shark attacks at the beach, while accidents involving sand suffocation are often overlooked, with attention focused on shark attacks.

Let's delve into how "sand" can pose dangers. Following the discussion on sand suffocation, there will be more information on what circumstances can lead to sand collapses.

Everyone should know that if dry sand sticks to clothing, it easily shakes off with a couple of flicks. However, wet sand sticking to clothing isn't as easily removed.

For those playing in the sand at the beach, it's essential to understand this: when sand is dry and lacks water, there's air between the grains, making it loose and easy for people to move around. However, when sand encounters water, the dynamics change. Water fills the gaps between sand grains, eliminating the loose space, and people buried in the sand feel a compressive force as if the sand is "sucking" them in.

What's frightening is that during high or low tide, the movement of seawater exerts significant pressure on the beach sand. Under this pressure, sand is pushed, causing the sand underneath people to sink while surrounding sand fills the void, leading to deeper entrapment.

It's crucial to prevent sand collapses when visiting the beach. As mentioned earlier, Professor Malone from Harvard Medical School stated in his report:

According to statistics since 1985, at least 30 young people in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have died from being buried alive in sand pits on beaches in the past 20 years.

The speed at which sand collapses in sand pits is astonishing. Typically, victims are quickly buried entirely, with the collapsing "sand wall" leveling the pit, making it difficult to locate the buried victims.

In recent years, there have been news reports of similar beach sand collapses.

According to the Lincoln City Police Department in Oregon, collapses often occur on beaches in drier climates.

Due to dry weather, dunes and sand sculptures are fragile. They have been educating coastal visitors on accident prevention, including warnings about high waves and tides. After realizing the danger of sand collapses, the police and fire departments have stated that they will enhance reminders and emergency rescue measures for such incidents.

Please refrain from digging tunnels at the beach. On a California beach, 17-year-old Matt and his friends were digging a tunnel about 5 to 7 feet deep when an accident occurred as Matt attempted to connect the tunnel with his friends. The sand above suddenly collapsed, burying Matt underneath.

Witnesses rushed to the scene, frantically digging out sand. Shortly after, beach firefighters, lifeguards, and concerned tourists joined in the rescue efforts. It took 30 minutes before Matt was pulled out, unconscious. He was revived through emergency procedures and fortunately suffered no serious injuries.

Please avoid digging near sand sculptures. On beaches, some sand sculptures are protected, and visitors can only admire them from a distance. However, on most beaches, some large sand sculptures are open for close observation, and visitors, focused on fun and aesthetics, may play around with these sculptures without realizing the potential danger, especially under the scorching sun when sand sculptures are fragile.

In North Carolina, a renowned sand sculpture artist attempted to dig a sand tunnel at Cape Hatteras Beach. He had previously dug two six-foot-deep holes and hoped the new tunnel would connect them. However, under his excavation, the fragile sand sculpture collapsed suddenly, tragically burying him alive.

While enjoying the pleasures of the beach, we often overlook the dangers that sand can bring. From sand collapses to tunnels near sand sculptures, there are potential safety hazards.

Therefore, we need to remain vigilant, avoid digging deep holes or tunnels near sand piles, and refrain from getting too close to sand sculpture works. By increasing awareness of beach safety, we can better protect ourselves and others, ensuring that everyone's vacation time is enjoyable and safe.