Teenager trapped in Exmouth beach hole rescued as tide comes in

A teenager trapped in a sand hole as the tide came in had to be given air through a tube so he could "continue to breathe" as he was rescued.

HM Coastguard co-ordinated the rescue on Exmouth Beach, Devon, on Thursday, alongside fire crews, RNLI and police.

Crews were called to the beach at about 17:00 BST, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.

It urged beachgoers to be aware of the dangers of digging deep holes in the sand "due to the risk of collapse".

Ben Williams, a group commander from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said the teenager had to be given air through a breathing apparatus set so he could "continue to be able to breathe".

Meanwhile, members of the public and firefighters attempted to "dam the incoming tide" while they freed him from the sand, he said.

Mr Williams said he was "in a deep hole up to his neck".

He said: "It is that kind of childhood experience but this is taking it at least a couple of steps further.

"It was really quite hazardous and could have had a very, very serious outcome had the emergency response and indeed the efforts of members of the public not been there to avoid that worst-case scenario."

The teenager was taken to hospital and it is hoped there will be "no long-term effects", he added.

Mr Williams said a glut of incidents over recent days served as a "stark reminder" that visiting coasts and beaches can be hazardous and reminded people to be aware of the tides and the risks they present.

He added: "We would really want to highlight the risks of digging deep holes on beaches and either entering them or indeed leaving them open."

On Twitter, Drew Parkinson, coastguard area commander for south Devon and south-east Cornwall, said: "Dozens of members of the public and emergency services worked tirelessly to save the person from drowning as tide came in."

He said coastguard crews had trained for this type of rescue in the past - due to the "serious risk that sand holes pose".

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "HM Coastguard co-ordinated the response after receiving reports of a teenager stuck in the sand at Exmouth with the tide coming in. The initial call came in just after 17:00 on Thursday.

"Beer, Dawlish and Exmouth coastguard rescue teams were sent along with Exmouth RNLI lifeboat and Exmouth Beach Lifeguard Unit.

"In addition, South Western Ambulance Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were sent.

"The teenager was rescued and passed into the care of the ambulance service."

The fire service said: "We want to thank everyone who helped to bring about a positive result to this incident, and wish the person involved a speedy recovery."

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