Human Interest Human Interest News Weather How to Avoid Quicksand — and What to Do If You Become Trapped in It The mixture, which is a combination of sand and water, typically occurs in areas near water — but it can also be found in deserts By Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE Magazine. He began working with the brand as an Editorial Intern in early 2020, before later transitioning to a freelance role, and then staff positions soon after. Nicholas writes and edits anywhere between 7 to 9 stories per day on average for PEOPLE, spanning across each vertical the brand covers. People Editorial Guidelines Published on June 16, 2024 10:00AM EDT Close A stock image of a man walking through quicksand. Photo: Getty Quicksand is not like it appears in the movies. The mixture — which is a combination of sand and water, according to Scientific American — typically occurs in areas near water, such as by riverbanks or on beaches at low tide. It can also occur in deserts, though the science magazine says it is a rare occurrence. Most quicksand pools are only a few inches to a few feet deep, according to Greg Emmanual's book, Extreme Encounters. There are numerous ways to avoid quicksand, according to Outdoors.com. Staying away from terrain that appears rippled and bubbled is recommended, as is using a walking stick to plot your steps before you make them. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. An image of a sinkhole with quicksand. Getty Woman Swallowed by Quicksand While Enjoying Walk on the Beach with Husband: 'Dropped Like a Rock' Should someone ever become trapped in quicksand, one approach to take is to not ask a fellow traveler for assistance. According to National Geographic, they would not be able to generate enough strength to pull an individual out of the terrain trap, given that it would require the same force required to lift a small car. A warning sign about quicksand. Getty Backpacker.com recommends eliminating excess weight, keeping your head above the mixture and leaning backward while backstroking to get out. Outdoors.com also cautions individuals against panicking, should they ever find themselves in quicksand. “Take your time and be patient. It is multiple small, slow, controlled, correct movements that will eventually allow you to escape,” Bear Grylls, who has showcased various survival skills in Man vs Wild, told the website.