Watch Out for Quicksand!
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While hiking in the swamp lands of Florida, Fred Stahl watched Jack Pickett disappear before his eyes. Pickett had stepped onto what looked like an innocent patch of dry sand and then started to sink. Within fifteen minutes, Pickett had disappeared completely beneath the surface.

Pickett was a victim of quicksand. If you think quicksand is something found only in adventure novels or films, you're making a big mistake. And that mistake could cost you your life.

Geologist Gerard H. Matthes, who once escaped from quicksand himself, always gave this message to hikers: "Anyone who ever walks off the pavement should learn about quicksand." It can be found almost anywhere.

Here are some of Matthes' tips on how to prevent being helplessly sucked under by quicksand. First of all, if you step into quicksand that is firm enough, (1) You may be able to run out. But you have to move fast. (2) If, however, the sand pulls your legs in too quickly for you to escape this way, throw yourself flat on your back. That's right--you can actually float in quicksand. (3) Don't make the common mistake of raising your arms. Resting on the surface, your arms can help you to float. (4) Any  movements you make should be slow and deliberate. Quick, jerky movements can cause you to be completely sucked in, just as Jack Pickett was. (5) Try doing a slow breaststroke or slowly rolling yourself to firm ground. (6) Above all,  don't panic.

Questions:

  1. Where were Fred Stahl and Jack Pickett hiking?
  2. Where is quicksand found?
  3. What did Matthes advise about quicksand?
  4. What were the six tips to prevent being trapped?
  5. What is the biggest mistake someone can make?

Answers:

  1. Fred Stahl and Jack Pickett were hiking in the swamp lands of Florida.
  2. Quicksand can be found almost anywhere.
  3. If the quicksand is firm, you can run out, but move fast. Throw yourself on your back. You can float on quicksand. Try also doing a slow breaststroke or slowly rolling yourself on firm ground.
  4. (1) Run out (2) Throw yourself back (3) Don't raise arms (4) Slow, deliberate movements (5) Slow breaststroke (6) Don't panic
  5. Walk off paths.