Lifeguards on Weymouth Beach had to fill in a large hole to stop people from falling in.

The large hole was spotted on the beach on Tuesday and lifeguards had to use shovels to fill it in.

A warning has since been issued by the RNLI about the dangers of leaving large holes on the beach.

A spokesman for RNLI Lifeguards Weymouth and West Dorset said: “Whilst out on patrol lifeguards spotted a particularly deep hole in the sand at Weymouth Beach.”

The following warning was given:

n Smaller children (and lifeguards!) could potentially get stuck in it and not be able to get out

n There is high risk of the sand collapsing in and on top of those who are in it, which can result in very serious injuries

n Please fill in any holes after you dig them to help prevent anyone injuring themselves

The RNLI spokesman added: “The lifeguards tend to advise members of public of the dangers and ask them to fill them back in afterwards. They work very closely with beach control staff who also advise and potentially have to fill in holes. In previous years we have run a couple of joint exercises with Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team to practice how best to dig a casualty out of the sand as well as what types of injuries they could sustain (suffocation being the most serious leading into the potential of having to perform CPR).”