Escaping Quicksand Safely
This playbook describes a step-by-step procedure to safely remove oneself from quicksand. It provides guidelines to ensure minimum risk and maximize chances of escape without external assistance.
Step 1: Stay Calm
Avoid panicking as it can cause you to sink faster. Try to breathe deeply and remain as calm as possible.
Step 2: Drop Items
Discard any heavy items you are carrying to lighten your weight.
Step 3: Lay Back
Carefully lean back to increase your body’s surface area, which helps to distribute your weight more evenly and prevent further sinking.
Step 4: Free Legs
Slowly and gently move your legs in a circular motion to create a pocket of water around them, which helps to loosen the quicksand's grip.
Step 5: Backstroke
Use slow and controlled movements to bring your legs up to the surface, like the backstroke in swimming, then float on your back.
Step 6: Stay Horizontal
Remain fully horizontal to keep your body on the surface and prevent sinking further.
Step 7: Crawl Out
Gradually crawl or roll over the surface towards solid ground using slow and deliberate movements, distributing your weight as evenly as possible.
Step 8: Clean Off
Once you are out, immediately remove any quicksand from your body and clothing to avoid extra weight and to prevent it from hardening.
General Notes
Avoid Sudden Moves
Quick, jerky movements can cause you to sink further into the quicksand.
Energy Conservation
Minimize movements to conserve energy, because escaping from quicksand can be a slow process and may require a lot of strength.