Beachgoers in West Donegal are being warned to take extra care due to sinking sand.
A family on Carrickfinn Beach had a terrifying ordeal on Friday when a child became trapped in quick-sinking sand.
A three-year-old tot was playing at the small rock pools near Ballymanus, under the supervision of his mother, when he suddenly sank into the sand.
Despite the rock pools only being 2-3 inches deep, his mother said it took just seconds for the sand to rise to his waist level.
The boy’s quick-thinking mother had to get into the pit to pull him out and managed to save herself afterwards.
In a warning on social media, the mother said: “I had no leverage to pull him out so I had to get in beside him, and I sank to my thighs. Luckily I could push him up and out and use a rock to get myself out. But a child by themselves, or a family pet, might not be able.”
With many families going out for walks at Christmas time and New Year’s, the family have urged others to be careful.
“I’ve walked Carrickfinn Beach for years and never experienced what I did yesterday, and I just want others to be fully aware,” the mother said.
Following this incident, local Councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has called on the council to reinstate warning signs in the area.
It is hoped that the notices will be in place by Monday, New Year’s Eve.
Councillor Mac Giolla Easbuig told Donegal Daily: “There have been quite a few incidents on this beach over the years. A number of people have gone into the sand and a dog was rescued after sinking in last year.”
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig pointed out that the sinking sand is in one isolated area, approximately mile across the beach, in an area where small streams are flowing from Ballymanus.
He added: “People need to be careful, but this shouldn’t put people off going to the beach, which is beside the most scenic airport landing in the world. There are large numbers of people out enjoying the beach this week, we just have to make sure they are aware of the sand in this one small area.
“Signs were in place here before, but I have called on the council to return them and we will make sure they are in the best areas.”
Here, the Councillor reminds the public that the beach is safe, but people must be cautious of a short section of moving sand:
