If you ever get caught in quicksand or a bog, don't panic. The way of surviving both is the same - spread the weight of your body over as wide an area as possible, and move only very slowly.
Fall onto your back as gently as you can, spread your arms, and try to float. If you're carrying a walking stick, manoeuvre it under you as you fall.
Extremely slowly, try to get your feet back to the surface.
Grab any nearby vegetation on solid ground and use it to pull yourself along, or 'swim' a very slow backwards breaststroke to safety. Don't hurry, as any quick, jerky movements will suck you down deeper; if you need to rest, lie flat and still with your arms and legs spread wide.
