21 April 2023 , 16:59
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A terrified child seen 'disappearing' into a dangerous sand cave has prompted a warning to holidaymakers heading to Cornwall.
The youngster got into trouble on Good Friday at Crantock Beach, close to Newquay.
Thankfully, beach patrol saw the child and was able to come to the rescue.
The sand "collapsed with very little effort" - showing the extent of what could have happened as the weather improves.
Now locals and those heading to the area on holiday have been told to be on their guard.
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A child got into trouble after climbing into this sand cave (Crantock Surf Life Saving Club)
The youngster was taken to safety on Good Friday (Crantock Surf Life Saving Club)Issuing safety advice, the Crantock Surf Life Saving Club said it wanted to educate people to enjoy Cornwall beaches safely after the incident.
It warned "sand can suffocate", and people should not be tempted to climb into sand caves as the dangers are real.
Posting on Facebook, the club alerted people to the dangers.
"On Good Friday one of our patrols intervened when a child was seen disappearing into this sand cave that they had burrowed into the dune cliff. They spoke to the child about the dangers and took action to collapse the hole safely to prevent anyone else from being tempted to climb in.
Holiday makers off to Cornwall have been given a heads up (Getty Images/iStockphoto)"The sand collapsed with very little effort showing just how dangerous it could have been if the sand had been dislodged by the child’s spade or someone unaware walking above.
"Collapsing sand can suffocate. This post is to help educate people to please enjoy the beach safely so please please no negative comments. Positive words and shares only please."
Cornwall Council issued a warning about the same dunes earlier this month.
It said: "Please stay away from the base of the sand dunes at Crantock Beach. Due to the recent bad weather and spring tides, there is a risk that sand could fall from the cliffs.
"The National Trust, which owns the beach, and the RNLI are asking people to stay away from the base of the sand cliffs and not allow children to play near them. In the event of an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."