EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning about a popular beach activity that could result in an A&E visit after a shocking photo emerged.

Beach safety experts have issued a new warning to holidaymakers after shocking pictures emerged of a six-foot sinkhole – a potentially deadly pit that could have ended in tragedy.

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Polzeath beach wardens were left horrified when they discovered a huge hole left by children who spent hours digging while their parents stood by, unaware of the risks.

Rangers, who described themselves as “shocked” by the sight, said the sandstone pit could easily have collapsed, causing serious injuries and even suffocation.

Rangers say the deep pit could have been a death trap and warn anyone who falls into it could suffer life-threatening injuries.

In a moving message shared on social media, Polzeath Beach rangers said: “We are shocked that the owners of several children (3-4ft tall) stood for several hours while they dug this 6ft hole of sand.

“Congratulations to the kids for their perseverance and physical endurance in digging a hole deeper than you can reach. You are not at fault in this scenario.”

They added: “Fortunately, the sand did not dry out and the walls remained strong enough to prevent the collapse and subsequent crushing and/or suffocation of the small people.”

The alarm was raised by a concerned beachgoer after the children’s parents left without filling the hole – forcing rangers to urgently fill it in themselves with the help of other beachgoers.

Polzeath beach warden Andy Stewart is urging families to think twice before allowing their children to dig deep holes in the sand – a seemingly harmless activity that can end in disaster.

He said: “We would never ask people not to dig in the sand but there are some things that need to be taken into account.

“Sand, by its nature, is unstable – especially when it dries out. Digging deeper than waist-deep can pose a risk of suffocation and/or crushing.”

Stewart added: “If you or someone you know is digging on the beach, make sure they are not digging too deep.

“Then fill the hole to prevent someone less able from falling in – and remember that the beach can still be crowded after dark.”

Rangers are also warning beachgoers not to dig where emergency services may need access.

They said: “We want people to come to the beach and have a great time – but safety must always come first.”

Rescuing someone from a collapsed sand pit is extremely difficult because it is unstable.

Unlike skiers in an avalanche, you cannot use your hands to create an air pocket because sand is much heavier than snow.

While people are removing sand to free the victim, the pit collapses under their weight and fills with sand again.

We have three to five minutes to save a person trapped under the sand before they suffocate.

The expert says that if someone ever needs help because they have been buried in sand, the focus should be on uncovering their mouth and removing the sand from their upper chest.

Too many people gathered near an incident scene can do more harm than good.

Instead, two or three people should focus on the victim while the rest work to remove sand from the wider excavation area.

Sinkhole collapses can occur suddenly and in situations that do not appear dangerous at first glance.

Even shallow holes can cause injuries to beachgoers, ruining their vacation.

On your next trip to the beach, be sure to look for holes and patch them up as soon as possible.

This comes after an alarming video appeared online showing tourists in a popular British resort being told to jump off a ferry into the sea.

Holidaymakers heading across the Channel this summer are being warned of the deadly paralysing virus after cases were reported in Spain and Italy.