Warnings have been issued about barbecues on beaches after a toddler suffered severe burns to his hands from a barbecue buried in the sand on Porth Iago beach, near Aberdaron.

Rudy Haslam, 21 months, suffered severe burns when he tried to knock down what he thought was a sand castle, but what turned out to be a piping hot barbecue buried in the sand.

The Haslam family from Warrington in Cheshire were on holiday in the Aberdaron area and decided to take a day trip to the beach when their son mistakenly touched the barbecue.

When water was thrown on the barbecue by his elder brothers it began to fizzle, splutter and steam.

Rudy’s dad, Joe, said that the family had been at the beach for half an hour when he “heard a loud scream”.

“Rudy was holding his hands, which were covered in hot ash. When it was knocked off, the ash burnt holes in the deck chairs,” he said.

“We called 999 straight away and were told the nearest hospital was at Pwllheli so we took him there”.

North Wales Fire Service stressed the importance of disposing of barbecues properly and safely during the summer months, particularly on beaches and other public spaces.

Gwyn Jones, community safety manager for Gwynedd and Môn, said: “If you use a disposable barbecue it is important that they are placed on an even surface to avoid them tipping over – bricks or paving slabs are ideal.

“Never place the barbecue on anything flammable – the foil base gets very hot. Please place them well away from houses, sheds, fences, trees or shrubs.

“Once you have finished using the disposable barbecue please ensure it has cooled before putting it in the bin.

“You should allow it to cool in a safe place for several hours and then consider pouring water or sand over it to make sure it’s out.”

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