You are hiking alone in the wilderness, lost in your thoughts, when suddenly you find yourself trapped in quicksand and sinking fast.Is it possible that there is a certain muddy death?Not quite.Quicksand isn't as dangerous as it appears in the movies, but it is a real phenomenon.It is possible for sand or silt to become quicksand if it is sufficiently saturated with water and/or subjected to earthquakes.If you find yourself with that feeling, here's what to do.
Step 1: Drop all the things.
If you step into quicksand and you're carrying something heavy, immediately take off your backpack or something similar.You can't fully sink unless you panic and struggle too much or you're weighed down by something heavy, because your body is less dense than quicksand.It is possible to get out of your shoes.As you try to pull them out of quicksand, shoes with flat, inflexible soles create suction.If you know ahead of time that you are likely to encounter quicksand, you can either change out of your boots or wear shoes that will pull your feet out easily.
Step 2: Move in a horizontal fashion.
Take a couple of steps back if you feel your feet getting stuck.The best way to get unstuck is to not get stuck in the first place, because it takes a minute for the mix to liquify.If your feet become stuck, don't try to get yourself out with big steps.If you push your other foot down, it will be difficult to unstick yourself.
Step 3: Don't lie back.
If your feet are stuck fast, sit down and lean back.If you want your feet to float, you should create a larger footprint.Roll to your side away from the quicksand and you will be free of it.The safest way to free yourself is to get dirty.
Step 4: Take your time.
frantic movements will hurt your cause if you're stuck in quicksand.Do it slowly.Slow movements will prevent you from agitating the quicksand, which can be caused by rapid movements.Quicksand can react to your movements in unforeseen ways.By moving slowly, you can stop an adverse reaction and avoid getting stuck deeper.You need to be patient.It could take several minutes or even hours to get yourself out of quicksand.
Step 5: Let's relax.
If you come across a deep spot, you could very well sink quickly down to your waist or chest.If you panic you can sink further, but if you relax you will float.Relax deeply.Deep breathing will help you remain calm.It's important to keep as much air in your lungs as possible.If your lungs are full of air, it is impossible to go under.
Step 6: You have to get on your back.
bend backward if you sink up to your hips.It will be harder to sink if you spread out your weight.Carefully extricate your legs while you float on your back.Once your legs are free, you can inch yourself to safety by using your arms to propel yourself backwards, as if you were swimming.You can roll to the ground when you get near the edge of the quicksand.
Step 7: Don't use a sledgehammer.
If you're in quicksand country, carry a walking stick.The pole should be on the surface of the quicksand behind you as soon as you feel your ankle sink.Put your back on the pole.You will stop sinking after a minute or two if you achieve balance in the quicksand.Move the pole under your hips to get it to a new position.You can slowly pull one leg free if you use the pole.Stand on your back with your arms and legs touching the quicksand and use the pole as a guide.It was sideways along the pole.
Step 8: Take breaks regularly.
It can be exhausting to extract yourself, so you need to conserve your energy before you get too tired.You need to move quickly, as the pressure of the sand can shut off your blood flow and cause nerve damage, numbing your legs and making it almost impossible to free yourself without help.Most quicksand-related deaths do not occur because you become sucked under, but because of exposure or drown in incoming tides.
Step 9: Take a look at common quicksand areas.
A distinctive soupy mixture can be created when quicksand is mixed with sandy soil.The best way to avoid becoming entangled in quicksand is to learn to anticipate it.Near lake shores and underground springs are some of the places where quicksand occurs.
Step 10: Look for small ripples.
Be on the lookout for ground that is unstable and wet, or sand that has unnatural looking "ripples" in the texture.If you're on the lookout, you should be able to see the water coming from below the sand.
Step 11: Take a walk on the ground with your walking stick.
If you become stuck, always bring a walking stick and tap the ground in front of you as you walk.A few seconds with a walking stick could be the difference between a messy wrestling match and a safe hike.