A man sustained third-degree burns to his feet after stepping on hot sand on Cefn Sidan Beach in Carmarthenshire, Wales, where he had used a disposable barbecue. Sam Knight, 27, experienced severe blistering and required weeks of treatment following the incident.
Knight stated he was unaware that sand could pose such a hazard. He had moved and extinguished the barbecue, believing the area to be safe. Upon returning, he stepped on sand that was still extremely hot, leading to his injury. He was subsequently taken to Neath Port Talbot Hospital and referred to a burns specialist. The injury rendered him unable to walk for two weeks, necessitating time off work.
Physiotherapists at the burns center at Swansea Bay University Health Board are observing a year-on-year increase in such injuries. They emphasize that the public often underestimates how long sand can remain dangerously hot after a barbecue has been used and moved. The uncooled sand is consistently the cause of these burns.
These injuries are described as quite painful and require prolonged periods of dressing. Health professionals are advising beachgoers to take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents.