When you hear the word quicksand, you probably immediately think of an old movie or cartoon. But quicksand exists in real life, too. You may even have seen it in action if you’ve ever hiked near a river or stream. It is a special type of ground that will pull you down and trap you there if you don’t take precautions before crossing it.
If you’re trapped in a patch of quicksand, knowing how to extricate yourself can go a long way to keeping you safe. Being trapped in quicksand is one of the most dangerous situations a hiker can find themselves in (especially if they are lost or stranded). Read on to learn all about this strange phenomenon, what to do if you see it prematurely, and what to do if it happens to you.
What is quicksand?
Quicksand is very similar to real sand, with one major difference: when it gets wet, quicksand turns into a dense, non-flowing suspension of sand, water, and clay. It forms in areas where the sand has a high percentage of silt and clay, making it heavier and more viscous than regular sand.
Typically, quicksand is found in wetlands near rivers, lakes, and the sea. When you step into quicksand, your weight causes the sand to flow around your feet like a liquid. You’ll quickly sink into the sand and be trapped if you can’t escape. The sand around your legs tries to suck you under the surface, making it difficult to move.
You must learn how to free yourself from quicksand, as it is almost impossible to free yourself once you are completely trapped.
Where can you find him and what does he look like?
It is most commonly found in muddy or clayey areas on the coast, on river banks, or at the bottom of a lake. Quicksand that is near the surface of the water can usually be identified as a brown patch of sand. Whereas the one below the surface of the water may not be visible at all. The water may even appear to be flowing normally even though the sand underneath has turned to quicksand.
Why is quicksand dangerous?
Because quicksand is liquid and has no definite boundaries, you can’t really see how deep it is. Stepping into quicksand can sink you up to your waist or beyond. Although you can stand in the sand for a short time, if you stay in it for a long time, it pulls you down.
Once you’re fully immersed in it, it’s very difficult to escape from, making it incredibly dangerous. The more you struggle and struggle in the quicksand, the more it will suck you down.
How to escape from him?
The best way to escape the sand is to keep your cool and not move too much. As soon as you realize you’re stuck in quicksand, stop moving immediately.
People tend to panic when faced with a dangerous situation, and that can make things a lot worse. For example, if you’re knee-deep in sand, try to stay calm and just crouch down and sit down. From this position, you should be able to lift your knees and get out of the quicksand. When the quicksand is higher than your knees, it gets a little more difficult. In this case, you have to lie on your back and very slowly lift one foot at a time from the sand.
conclusion
There are many phenomena in our worlds such as a mirage or quicksand. But if we know them and know how to deal with them, the danger is already limited.
If you encounter quicksand while hiking, walk along the water’s edge instead. If you encounter quicksand at the bottom of a lake, swim away from it. If you are caught in it, you should not fight back, because that will only make the situation worse. Keep calm and try to stay as calm as possible so you don’t keep sinking into the quicksand.
If you’re trapped in the quicksand, try to keep your legs up and get out of the sand. Another person may be able to help you by pulling on your hands and arms, although this is not recommended if the quicksand is deep.
