Quicksand forms on sand flats at the shore or at the bottom of streams or rivers which flow on top of bases of clay. The smooth, rounded grains of sand slide past each other in wavy movements called swells. This movement is created because there is nowhere for the water to drain away from the clay base. The sand stays saturated with water. The sand and water mixture becomes a thick fluid that swallows up anything heavy that moves into it. If you find yourself caught in quicksand, lie flat on your back with your arms outstretched. This position allows you to keep afloat until you are able to roll onto dry land.

Quicksand forms on sand flats at the shore or at the bottom of streams or rivers which flow on top of bases of clay. The smooth, rounded grains of sand slide past each other in wavy movements called swells. This movement is created because there is nowhere for the water to drain away from the clay base. The sand stays saturated with water. The sand and water mixture becomes a thick fluid that swallows up anything heavy that moves into it. If you find yourself caught in quicksand, lie flat on your back with your arms outstretched. This position allows you to keep afloat until you are able to roll onto dry land.

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