Hidden Dangers of a Favorite Michigan Beach Activity

Ah, Michigan beaches--a little slice of heaven with a side of potential doom. While soaking up the sun and showing off your impressive sandcastle skills, you may be unwittingly setting a perilous trap for yourself or another unlucky beachgoer. There's a hidden danger lurking below your feet. I'm talking about the innocent-looking yet potentially deadly activity of digging holes on the beach.

Digging Holes in the Sand: Not as Harmless as You Think

While the urge to put a shovel in the ground and move some earth rarely enters our minds on a typical day, for some reason, the desire becomes inescapable the moment you set foot on a beach. Kids love to do it, and let's face it: anytime parents can look at one another and say, "Wow, they're gonna sleep well tonight," it's hard to stop them because you want to sleep well, too.

Sure, digging a hole on the beach might seem like the perfect way to keep them busy while you sip on a cold beverage. But here's the kicker: if that hole collapses, it's game over. Take the poor souls who found out the hard way in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, where a young girl tragically lost her life after a sand hole caved in on her.

Michigan's Sand is HEAVY: More Than Just Tiny Rocks

Let's nerd out for a minute. Sand isn't a material--it's a category. Think of it like the Kardashians, except with less drama and more danger, with crazy that varies depending on location and genetics. Sand particles range from 0.06 to 2 millimeters, and their stability, much like the Kardashians, varies. Quartz sand, common on Michigan beaches, is light and feels so good between your toes, but boy, is it heavy when it piles up. Try 90 pounds per cubic foot. Imagine that weight crashing down on you while you're at the bottom of a deep beach hole.

Michigan Beach Sand Rescues are Iffy

Here's a scary fact: You have about three to five minutes to rescue someone buried in the sand before they suffocate. Sand is heavy and keeps collapsing as you try to dig someone out, making rescue efforts a nightmare. Experts suggest using boards to stabilize the hole, but let's be real--most of us aren't packing rescue boards with our sunscreen and beach towels.

Staying and Digging Safely: Tips for Michigan Beachgoers

Next time you and the kiddos head to a Michigan beach, keep these tips in mind:

• Dig away. Just don't dig deep.
  • Stick to holes no deeper than knee height, or about 2 feet, depending on who's digging.
• Rescue Smart
  • If someone is trapped in the sand, focus on clearing their mouth and chest so they can breathe.
• Crowd Control
  • Too many cooks--or diggers--spoil the rescue. Keep it to a few people.
• Fill holes
  • Always fill any holes you dig before leaving the beach in Michigan. You don't want to be responsible for a tragic accident.

So, Michigan beach and hole enthusiasts dig those toes into the sand, not the shovels. Enjoy the nation's largest freshwater coast without getting trapped in a pit. Keep reading for a look at the Best 11 Beaches in Michigan.