Introduction

Quick! That’s how fast it happened—one moment, Jamie Acord was enjoying a peaceful stroll along the beach with her husband, and the next, she was waist-deep in quicksand.

A Favorite Spot Becomes a Cautionary Tale

Popham Beach State Park, located in Phippsburg, Maine, is renowned for its expansive sandy shores and picturesque coastal views. As a popular spot for locals, the beach offers a tranquil retreat with its gentle waves and scenic backdrop.

Jamie Acord and her husband, Patrick, are regulars at this Maine beach. Having deep ties to the beach through her late father and not being a touristy area, the beach has become a favorite for Jamie and her family. However, now it has become a cautionary area for Jamie. On a recent visit, Jamie and Patrick encountered the dangers of quicksand firsthand after their usual beach cleanup, where their familiar routine took an unexpected turn.

The Terrifying Moment

“I just dropped like a rock,” Jamie informed NEWS CENTER Maine. “[My husband] said I was there, and then the next minute I wasn’t.”

As Jamie walked along the beach with her husband, hands full of trash, she felt herself sink waist-deep into the sand. Stuck and in shock, she shouted to Patrick, “I can’t get out!”

Jamie could not find a solid footing on the ground despite being able to feel her feet. The sensation was unsettling, and she quickly realized how much she despised the feeling of being trapped in this “wet cement-like sand.”

"I don't want to be here, I can't get a footing. I can feel my feet, but I can't feel the ground to get a footing, and I'm not enjoying this,” Jamie told People.

Fortunately, Jamie was with her husband, who rescued her before the situation worsened. Patrick got her out safely after pulling her for 30 seconds to a minute. Once back on regular sand, Jamie saw that she only had minor scratches but noted that the experience left a lasting impression. One being that the quicksand did not look anything like what she had expected once she was out.

“And as soon as he pulled me out, we turned around to look to see what had occurred because we just assumed I'd fallen in an actual hole, and there was nothing there," she mentions. "It looked just like the beach. It had filled itself right back in."

Reporting and Awareness of Quicksand

After the incident, the couple reported the situation to a park ranger and lifeguard, who revealed that they had received similar reports from other visitors.

The substance Jamie encountered was identified as quicksand, likely caused by a series of winter storms that had redirected a river flowing into the ocean. This alteration led to the sand becoming supersaturated in specific areas.

Concerned about the potential danger to others, especially kids and solo beach enthusiasts, Jamie took to social media to discuss her experience. The story received massive attention upon sharing, and some users even related to Jamie’s story.

“‘My God, are you serious?’ And then another lady was like, ‘That happened to my daughter in February,’” Jamie shared with People about the types of responses she received from the media.

Jamie’s message was clear and resonated with all beachgoers: be cautious and try to go with others, especially in areas where quicksand is more common. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings because what may seem like a simple walk may leave one deep in quicksand.

Getting Out of Quicksand

Quicksand, often portrayed in movies as only seen in the middle of nowhere when the main character is in deep trouble and everything around the sand is sinking rapidly, is real but not as scary as presented. Quicksand typically appears near river deltas, tidal flats, sand lakes, and beaches. Moreover, it has become increasingly common in certain areas, particularly along coastlines where ecological changes have taken place. Experts suggest that climate change contributes to the rise in quicksand occurrences due to the increased water vapor in the atmosphere, altered river patterns, and intensified coastal erosion.

Known scientifically as supersaturated sand, quicksand occurs when water saturates loose sand, reducing friction between the sand particles and causing the sand to behave like a liquid. Similar to Jamie, this can lead to unsuspecting beachgoers suddenly sinking into the sand. However, quicksand leaves many staying afloat, unlike what is often depicted as a dangerous substance that can swiftly pull people under on the main screen.

Jim Britt, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, provided some reassurance, "What is occurring is a 100-percent survivable scenario," he told NEWS CENTER Maine.

Many who find themselves in Jamie’s situation may not know what to do. Jamie sure didn’t when she first got stuck, but it is not as difficult as it may seem to get out. If ever caught in quicksand, relax and take a few deep breaths. Afterward, lean back as much as possible so your body weight is distributed over a wider area, and SLOWLY wiggle your way out in a back-and-forth motion. Doing so will allow water to go into cavities around trapped limbs, resulting in the quicksand to loosen its hold. An alternative approach is to have another person assist in pulling the individual out, but similar to the previous method, the movements should be slow. Quick movements may cause the sand to draw the person in deeper.

The chances of one getting drowned by the sand are very slim, especially since quicksand is denser than the human body. The deepest one will get stuck is from the waist down. Deaths caused by quicksand are extremely rare and generally only occur if the person is trapped and engulfed by an incoming tide, as quicksand is most commonly found in tidal areas. Thus, if you follow the steps listed and the environmental conditions are favorable, survival is 100% guaranteed.

A Lesson Learned

As beachgoers continue to make their way to Popham Beach State Park and other coastal destinations, officials stress the importance of being aware of your surroundings. Now, more signs are posted around Popham Beach State Park about quicksand in the area and how to get out. While the natural beauty of Maine's beaches is undeniable, Jamie’s incident is a reminder that nature can be unpredictable, and staying informed and cautious is key to enjoying these settings safely.

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