The coastguard is warning people to be wary of quicksand after a beach-goer became stuck up to their waist at a Cornish Beach on Sunday.

Padstow Coastguard was tasked following reports of an individual sinking in quicksand on the northern side of Porthmissen Beach at Trevone at 1.30pm.

The individual had managed to extract themselves from the quick-sand and the incident was reported to HM Coastguard on a public safety basis.

The incident occurred approximately an hour after low tide and the photo shows the area of concern.

A spokesman for Padstow Coastguard said: “It is important to highlight that the primary risk here is becoming stuck and being unable to escape the incoming tide, or being overcome by the weather conditions. 

“Hollywood would like you to believe that people drown in the quick-sand itself, but this would defy the laws of physics.

"Quick-sand has a higher density than the human body.

“It is impossible to provide specific location advice as conditions constantly change, but be aware that you are more likely to come across quicksand near to pools of standing water or areas of the beach with moving water such as streams and run-off.

 “If you become stuck in quick-sand or see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. 

Try to stay calm, the key to escaping quicksand involves the slow and deliberate movement of the legs to increase the viscosity of the fluid, combined with rotation of the body into the supine position lying down facing upwards.

“If you see someone in trouble at the coast, on the beach or in the sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”