A 16-year-old boy is "extremely lucky" to be alive after being buried up to his neck in sand at a popular Sussex beach, the coastguard has said.
The teenager was trapped in a hole measuring approximately six to seven feet deep at West Wittering Beach near Chichester on Thursday.
The incident prompted an urgent response from lifeguards and beach staff, who were quickly joined by the Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team.
The boy had dug the "huge hole" himself before his friends buried him in it, leading to the dangerous situation that could have resulted in crushing or suffocation.
Emergency crews worked carefully to extract the teenager from the sand, with rescuers initially using their hands to sweep sand away from him.
Support teams then removed the excavated sand using buckets, spades and even frisbees to prevent it from collapsing back onto the boy.
Once freed, the teenager received oxygen and was examined in the beach's first aid room.
Paramedics were summoned to conduct additional medical assessments.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The teenager was trapped in a hole measuring approximately 6 to 7ft deep at West Wittering Beach near Chichester on Thursday
GETTY
A Selsey Coastguard spokesman explained: "Sand rescues must be carried out gently to avoid adding pressure around a trapped casualty and to ensure they can breathe."
The delicate operation highlighted the serious risks posed by deep excavations in unstable sand.
The coastguard issued stark warnings about the dangers of beach excavations following the incident.
A spokesman warned: "Sandcastles, buckets and spades are among the joys of a trip to the seaside but some excavations can pose a real risk to visitors, particularly small children."
The coastguard issued stark warnings about the dangers of beach excavations following the incident
GETTY
The coastguard advised beachgoers to limit any holes or tunnels to waist height
GETTY
Officials stressed that sand's unstable nature means it can collapse suddenly, potentially causing crushing injuries or suffocation.
The coastguard advised beachgoers to limit any holes or tunnels to waist height.
The spokesman added: "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."
Beachgoers are urged to refill any holes before departing to prevent accidents.