Coastguard warning after ‘dangerous’ huge hole found on Skegness beach

Members of Skegness Coastguard Rescue Team came across the hole on Saturday while attending an unrelated incident on the beach.

The team said the photograph does not fully show the scale of the excavation, which was estimated to be between three and four feet across and as much as 12 to 15 feet deep.

In a social media post, coastguards warned that large holes and tunnels dug in sand can quickly become dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

They said the person or people who dug the hole were “incredibly lucky” it did not collapse.

A spokesperson said: “While digging on the beach can be great fun, large holes and tunnels can quickly become dangerous.

“Sand is surprisingly heavy and can give way without warning, especially in deep holes. A collapse can trap someone beneath the sand and may lead to serious injury or even death.”

The team also warned that deep holes can pose a danger to other beach users who may not see them.

Coastguards are urging people digging on the beach to keep holes no deeper than waist height, slope the sides rather than digging straight down and never create tunnels or caves in the sand.

Parents are also being advised to supervise children at all times and never bury anyone in sand.

The rescue team stressed the importance of filling in any holes before leaving the beach, adding that a few minutes spent covering them up could prevent a serious accident later in the day.

Anyone who sees somebody in difficulty along the coast should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.