A deadly breeze: this danger of beach that parents still underestimate

When the sand turns into a silent trap

Thursday 10 July 2025, a teenager named Ricardo, 17 years old, tragically died in Italy, in Montale di Castro, after having dug a hole of about 1.50 m in the sand. The walls suddenly collapsed, buried in a few seconds, without notifying him immediately. The rescue intervention came too late.

Fatal collapse over one meter

Digging in the sand may seem harmless, however from one meter of depth, the sand quickly loses its stability. Translated by similar dramas every summer, these accidents are sometimes fatal.

Unstable by nature, dry sand or badly packaged can close in a few seconds, trapping the child inside. Unlike water, the sand does not allow any breathing and exerts a pressure that makes it very difficult, if not impossible, any attempt to emerge alone.

Risks subjected: why remain vigilant?

• Respiratory translation : The burial blocks the breath almost instantly.
• Sudden collapse : The sand does not prevent and an adult or child can be swallowed in an instant.
• Reduced visibility : Even a relative of a few meters may not notice anything until it exceeds nothing.

These accidents often arise due to lack of awareness of the danger. Children dig deeply, rarely stopping a meter. It just takes a simple gesture to trigger a drama.

How to prevent accidents

1. Prohibit deep holes : Explains why digging more than one meter is dangerous.
2. Create the game : It remains present and nearby, even if the sand seems harmless: the vigilance should not weaken.
3. I slaughtered immediately : After the game, barely reimburse any cavity.
4. Explore safe alternatives : Encourage surface games: castles, sculptures, huts, stable sand tanks.
5. Collective awareness : Inform other families about risks and report dangerous areas to rescuers.

The role of parents and users

This summer, in the face of the strong crowds on the beaches, every parent – and every child – has a role to play. Local authorities can also strengthen safety instructions, view awareness panels or organize surveillance patrols in risk areas.