A little-known coastal hazard has prompted new warnings for Australians after a young woman found herself unexpectedly trapped during a casual beach visit.
The 20-year-old’s sunset walk at Glenelg North in South Australia earlier this month took a turn when she was left trapped in sand up to her legs.
Madz June was with a friend on May 19 when she suddenly sank.
“I just hopped down from the rocks. When doing that my legs fell straight through the sand,” she told 7NEWS.
“At first I thought it was hilarious… however once I tried to get back out and it was stuck, the panic started to set in.”
Unable to free herself, June remained trapped for almost an hour before emergency crews pulled her out.
Since the incident, others have come forward describing similar scares — prompting Holdfast Bay Council to install new warning signs along the shoreline.
The council has placed signs at key access points to alert beachgoers about the potential for quicksand, particularly after high tide or in areas where sand is saturated.
Quicksand forms when sand becomes saturated with water, creating a mixture that can trap objects. Experts advise staying calm, moving slowly, and trying to float if caught, but June’s ordeal highlights the risks even on popular beaches.
Local authorities urge visitors to be aware of their surroundings and avoid jumping into unfamiliar sand. The incident has also sparked discussions about improving beach safety education across Australia.
