Kids grew up terrified that quicksand was a common hazard they'd encounter, picturing themselves slowly sinking to their doom in random locations.
Quicksand is extremely rare and almost never causes deaths. It's a non-Newtonian fluid that becomes firmer under pressure, so panicking and struggling actually makes it worse, but simply lying back and swimming can help you escape. Most people who encounter it are in specific geographic areas like beaches or deserts, and survival is straightforward if you stay calm.
Reception
Sources
- Wikipedia: Quicksand PRIMARY
- National Geographic: Quicksand Myths REFERENCE
- Snopes: Quicksand Danger REFERENCE