On a beautiful day at Pine Point Beach, I couldn’t help but notice a potentially dangerous situation unfolding. While enjoying the beach with my children, I observed another family digging a large, deep hole in the sand. I carefully watched to ensure my toddlers didn’t wander toward this sizable excavation. When they finished, the hole was nearly 6 feet deep. My concern grew as I wondered whether they would fill it in before leaving. This incident brought to mind a tragic event earlier this year in Florida, where a child lost her life due to a smaller hole.

While it’s common for beachgoers to dig holes, these seemingly innocent activities can pose serious hazards. Large holes can become traps, posing risks of injury or entrapment to unsuspecting individuals, especially those running or playing. To mitigate these risks, beachgoers are urged to follow safety guidelines:
• Monitor holes: Always supervise children and fill in holes before leaving.
• Depth limitations: Avoid digging holes deeper than the knee height of the shortest person in your group.
• Location matters: Refrain from digging near dunes, where erosion control is critical, or close to the waterline, where collapsing holes can fill with water.

Let’s work together to enjoy our beaches and ensure every visit is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Educating the public through informational campaigns and lifeguard advisories is necessary to raise awareness about safe digging practices. Each of us has a part to play; together, we can make a significant difference.

Katherine Ghantous
Gorham