How to escape quicksand | Survival tips

It's a fate worse than death or even spending an afternoon with in-laws. Imagine wallowing in a bath of quicksand where, as Hollywood teaches us, one false move will lead to immediate, mud-garbling destruction.

Myth bustin'

Thing is, research shows that it’s impossible for a person to become completely submerged in quicksand. See, the human body is less dense than quicksand — a mixture of sand, clay and salt water. Sinking up to your waist won't kill you. Note that unlike the silver screen suggests, when people die in quicksand, they don’t suffocate. They die of thirst or starve, or if they’re near a coast, they drown in high tide.

What to do?

If you fall into quicksand, resist the natural instinct to kick your way out. That just separates the sand from the water, forming a dense layer of sediment where your feet are. Instead, stay calm and lean back so you get as much of your body surface on the water as possible. As you begin floating, slowly start moving your feet — not in a thrashing motion, but in small circles, the point being to get more water down into the thick sediment where your feet are. It may take awhile, but in time, you should be able to float free and paddle your way to solid ground.

Thanks to the Discovery Channel for the tips! Be sure to check XT46 for the best survival gear.