The recent onslaught of heavy rain and high tides has left patches of quicksand on the nation's beaches.
Storm tides and coastal streams caused by Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge have created large, but hard to spot, liquefied patches on sands across the UK.
Runner Stephen Callaghan has a narrow escape after becoming stuck in quicksand while out for a run in Newquay, Cornwall this week. He said: “I was running on Porth beach and got stuck up to my waist in quicksand.
“It is where work is being carried out on the beach but all the fencing has been washed away.
“I couldn’t get my legs out. Luckily I managed to get myself free.
“There are lots of people on the beach. I fear a dog will go in and get stuck and then the owner will go in after it.
“An elderly person wouldn’t be able to get out,” he added.
Mr Callaghan was not hurt in the incident.
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said it is possible the recent storms may have formed new, hidden quicksands.
They said: "Adverse weather conditions can increase the risks of quicksand, particularly on flat areas of sand where gullies are created by an overland flow of water.
"In some of these areas water can flow underneath the surface.
“Our advice is: Stay calm, spread your weight and avoid moving."
They advised: “If you have a mobile phone, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you don’t have access to a phone, try and attract the attention of passers-by, and get them to make the call.
"Anybody trapped should tell well-meaning members of the public not to rescue them because without the proper equipment they could become stuck too.”
Coastguard units have special training and equipment to rescue people stuck in mud or quicksand.
Quicksand is not always obvious to the eye. It's waterlogged clay or sand and there is often little or no warning of the transition from firm to liquid. General advice is to avoid crossing bays and walking through mud where there can be hidden channels of fast-flowing water.
Before you set out to explore the beaches and coastline in your area always remember to check the times of high and low water and plan your trip accordingly.
Last month a mum and her young daughter also had to be rescued when they became trapped in Minehead, Somerset.
They had been out walking the dog when she got stuck waist deep in the muddy sand with her five-year-old in her arms before. They were rescued by Coastguard helicopter.
