According to Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, on Labor Day September 7, 2026, it was reported that an individual had dug a 6-7 foot deep hole on McPhillips Beach near Pacific City. While in the hole, the walls collapsed around them, burying this individual in sand. A huge shout out to all the bystanders who stepped up and helped dig up this individual, potentially saving their life in doing so. It was at this time that Tillamook Adventist Ambulance and Nestucca Fire arrived on scene. We were able to stabilize the patient enough to cancel the Life Flight Helicopter and transport the patient by ambulance.
This individual is lucky to still be alive, that is not always the case for this type of call. Be safe out there!
SAND HOLE SAFETY REMINDER
- Never dig deep holes in the sand.
- Sand can collapse suddenly and without warning, trapping a person underneath. A collapsed sand hole can cause serious injury, suffocation, or death.
- Keep sand holes shallow.
- Supervise children closely.
- Never enter a deep sand hole.
Have fun. Stay safe. Respect the sand.
