A deep hole has formed on the beach at New Brighton, leading to stern warnings from Wirral coastguard. A significant amount of sand near Harrison Drive and Kings Parade was washed away yesterday, August 19, by water flowing from an outfall, putting beachgoers at risk.
Coastguard Warning and Photos
Posting pictures of the sinkhole on social media, a Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team spokesman warned: "These photographs, taken yesterday near Harrison Drive/Kings Parade, New Brighton, show how water flowing from the outfall has washed away a significant amount of sand, creating a deep, steep-sided hole with unstable sand around it."
"With further heavy rain since these photographs were taken, conditions could have changed again and the holes may now be deeper or more unstable."
"Warning signs are in place advising of deep water and unstable sand, but from beach level it isn't always obvious just how deep these areas can become."
Previous Incidents and Risks
A few years ago, Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team was called to a serious incident in this area after a child fell into one of these holes. A parent went in after them and both found themselves struggling in the water and mud and unable to climb back out once the sand had fallen in around them. Thankfully, both were rescued.
"These areas aren't only a risk to children. Dogs running along the beach can also fall into these holes before their owners have realised the danger is there."
Safety Advice
To avoid getting into difficulty on the beach, the coastguard has advised people to: Keep children and dogs away from the edges. Don't climb down into holes or channels. Pay attention to warning signs. Take extra care during and following heavy rainfall. If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
The warned: "The beach you walked across yesterday may not be the same beach you find today."
