Quicksand up to six feet deep in Morecambe Bay has resulted in three Coastguard rescues in as many weeks.
HM Coastguard is warning people about the dangers of quicksand and mud in the bay, described as “horrendous” by rescuers.
The most recent incident on Monday, June 16, happened at Sandside, where a man had become trapped up to his waist and a woman up to her knees.
The Arnside and Morecambe Coastguard Rescue Teams attended, along with Bay Search and Rescue, Cumbria Fire and Rescue, Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service and the RNLI’s hovercraft from Morecambe.
On June 1, a 14-year-old girl got stuck in the sand off Silverdale.
The Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to the scene and helped the girl to safety. She was then taken to hospital to be checked over.
On June 3 near the River Kent, a sheep had become stuck and there was concern the farmer would put himself at risk as he tried to rescue the animal. Nigel Capstick, from the Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team added: “The quicksand is horrendous at the moment, due to the changing channels in the bay and all the rainfall.
“It’s resulted in a really bad situation, in some areas the liquified sand is six feet deep.
“People need to be careful.”
Chris Turner, HM Coastguard’s sector manager for the area, added: “Luckily, those that have become stuck in recent weeks haven’t been seriously hurt, but it does go to show the dangers of quicksand and mud in the area. With the summer holidays fast approaching, we’re urging people to take extra care.
“If you do become stuck, try to spread your weight as much as possible.
“Avoid moving and stay as calm as you can.
“Discourage others from attempting to rescue you, since without the proper equipment they could become stuck too.
“If you get into difficulty, or spot someone in trouble, you should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”