Morecambe Bay quicksand warning issued

The advice follows the discovery of "some of the softest sands in years" by the rescue team

Visitors planning to explore Morecambe Bay are being warned to watch out for a hidden danger.

Bay Search and Rescue said they had discovered more patches of quicksand this year than they had for decades.

Gary Parsons, who leads the rescue team, urged visitors to stick with organised events by those who know and understand the landscape.

"You don't see it until you're on it," he said.

"Then all of a sudden a crack will appear and you will see the water come through the sand because we're on a giant blancmange."

Mr Parsons said the beach had been affected by some "very big spring tides over the course of the last two months".

"I've not seen it like this in my 30-plus years of being involved in search and rescue," he said.

Those who become trapped in quicksand or those who believe someone is in trouble are advised to call 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.

Ivan Unsworth, from Bay Search and Rescue, said the best thing people could do if they became stuck was to lie down distribute their weight over as great an area as possible.

"Sit yourself down and spread your weight so you don't sink any further, or even lie down," he said.

Visitors are also advised to check the tide times with signs positioned around the bay to provide safety information.