This Popular Tourist Spot Is Home To One Of The Most Dangerous Beaches In England

You may not think of a day on the beach when you think about England. The country isn't exactly famous for warm summer days spent baking in the sun and playing in the sand. However, it is an island, and its beaches can be a wonderful place for a holiday. In Cumbria, in the northwest of England, there is an area called Morecambe Bay that covers 120 miles of beaches and mudflats. This place is chock full of lovely and quirky beach towns with lots to do. Morecambe Bay boasts all the summer activities you'd expect. 

However, this beach is one of the most dangerous in England. People have died here, getting caught in the tides. There is also quicksand in the area. No, it's not just in old cartoons. It really does exist, though not in the way you might have seen. Let's take a look at Morecambe Bay and what you need to know before you go.

There are a few things that make the bay treacherous for the unwary. The tide comes in unusually quickly here, meaning that walks during low tide can easily turn dangerous. Water rushes into gullies and ditches without warning, turning them into quicksand, trapping you before you know it. 

We're not talking about the quicksand you might be familiar with from cartoons. It's not going to suck you down under the surface of the earth. However, it can trap your feet and make it difficult to get out in time to escape the rising tides. If you venture out to the point where it would take you more than a few strides to reach the shore, you've gone too far. The areas of quicksand change all the time, so there is no way to ensure that you avoid it. That means the whole 120 miles of the area is nothing to trifle with. People often have to be rescued from these tides. In fact, this place has been deadly. In 2004, 23 Chinese immigrants were drowned while harvesting cockles on the beach. The rising waters trapped them and their vehicle. 

So, how can you keep yourself safe? First, pay attention to all the signage in the area. If a sign says not to go somewhere, just don't. As inviting as the water is, pay attention to where the tide is. Don't venture out too far at low tide because you can easily become trapped. 

You can also listen for the warning sirens that go off twice, first when the tide begins to come in and again when it's close. Keep your phone on your person, and remember that in England, the emergency number is 999 (not 911, as it is in America). Ask for the Coastguard when you call. Tide timetables are available in shops in the area and online, and it's worth checking when they come in before you venture out.

One thing you can do if you'd like to walk on the sand is to take a tour, like the Cross Bay Walk, which features a guide who knows the area and the dangers. This part of England is absolutely worth a visit, and the sunsets are not to be missed. As long as you're careful and keep your wits about you, listen to the sirens, and observe posted warnings, you'll have a visit to remember.