A 16-year-old girl was miraculously rescued after being buried up to her neck in a deep sand hole that collapsed at Mission Beach in San Diego. Good Samaritans and lifeguards worked frantically to dig her out, highlighting the dangers of these hidden beach hazards.
**San Diego, Calif.** - Lifeguards and Good Samaritans raced against the encroaching tide to rescue a 16-year-old girl after a deep sand hole collapsed, burying her up to her neck at Mission Beach in San Diego on Tuesday.
Beachgoers witnessed the harrowing incident around 4:50 p.m. as the girl, digging in the sand with friends, fell into the six- to eight-foot hole. Her frantic companions tried to free her but were unsuccessful, prompting them to alert lifeguards.
Rescuers Race Against Tide to Save Teen Buried in San Diego Beach Sand Collapse
"We saw that she was buried up to her neck, we could only see her head and her arms sticking out," said Lt. Jacob Magness of San Diego Lifeguards.
Witness Richard Mastan, who jumped into action to help, described the situation as dire. "She was way down there," he said. "I was just digging like crazy."
Rescuers Race Against Tide to Save Teen Buried in San Diego Beach Sand Collapse
First responders arrived on the scene and attempted to pull the girl out, but she was too deeply buried. "That's when the digging had to start," said Magness.
With the tide rising, rescuers worked desperately for 20 minutes to dig the teen out. Video footage shows paramedics evaluating the girl after her rescue, before releasing her to her parents.
Rescuers Race Against Tide to Save Teen Buried in San Diego Beach Sand Collapse
Experts warn of the dangers of deep sand holes, which can collapse and trap people under immense weight. In February, a tragic incident occurred at a South Florida beach when a seven-year-old girl died after being buried in a sand hole collapse.
"These sand holes are no joke," said Magness. "The sand becomes compact, and when it caves in, it's like being trapped under a car."
Rescuers Race Against Tide to Save Teen Buried in San Diego Beach Sand Collapse
The incident at Mission Beach serves as a reminder of the importance of beach safety. Lifeguards urge people to be aware of their surroundings and avoid digging deep holes in the sand, especially near water.
As the summer beach season continues, authorities emphasize the need for caution and vigilance, urging beachgoers to report any suspicious sand holes or potential hazards to lifeguards for immediate attention.
