BEACH-GOERS have been warned to take care after replenishment works have left 'soft sand' in Bournemouth and Poole.

Coastguards have warned that new sand added to the beach is still soft and needs to consolidate.

In a warning posted on social media, a spokesman for Poole Coastguard said: "This is for public safety.

"If you step into soft sand, it won't suck you down. However, your movements will cause you to dig yourself deeper into it. Don't try pulling your leg out of soft sand - you will be working against a vacuum left behind by the movement."

The spokesman said that those who are in the sea can usually lay on their backs and float to safety.

But members of the public have been urged to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see anyone in trouble.

Soft sand is often referred to a quicksand but is not believed to be as dangerous as it is sometimes depicted in films.

Replenishment work has been under way along the coast since the start of the year.

Huge machinery has been operating on the beach with members of the public asked to steer clear and to keep dogs on leads.

Enormous pipes stretched along the sand have been attracting huge interest from visitors to the area.

And signs have been placed along the promenade giving details of the work that is being carried out.

Contractors working on the £7.5 million project hope to complete the job by the end of this month.

Sand and other material is being pumped ashore in seven separate areas from Southbourne to Poole.

The beaches will be topped up with a total of 350,000 cubic metres of sand.