How to Get Out of Quagmire Bogs

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By Heather Finch
eHow Contributing Writer

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A quagmire (the term often is used interchangeably with "marsh" or "bog") is a wetland that may appear solid but is actually quite spongy and full of water. It is so saturated, in fact, that any creature unlucky enough to wander into it is likely to get stuck or may even be sucked in. The term also describes any situation that's very difficult to escape---if ever you find yourself stuck in a quagmire, you'd better know how to get yourself out!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Stay calm. Panicking and wriggling around will pull you deeper. Remain as still as you can while you think over your predicament.
Step 2

Slowly pull out one leg. If the muck is only up to your knees or mid-thigh, your best bet is to just move slowly as you pull each leg out.
Step 3

Lie down. If you have sunk to your waist, try to lie back on the surface. This will give you more leverage to pull out your legs.
Step 4

If you are in too deep to lie down, put your arms straight out to the side. Feel around for some solid vegetation to grab, to pull yourself out---but do so slowly, to avoid sinking further in.
Step 5

Roll to safety. Once you are extricated, slowly roll yourself to safer ground . If you have a long way to go, you may find it more effective to do a soldier's crawl, lying on your torso and using your arms to snake to safety.

Tips & Warnings

If you get tired while working yourself out of the quagmire, take a rest. Allowing yourself to become exhausted will make your muscles sore and make you less able to think clearly. If you must cross a quagmire, find a long, straight stick that can hold your weight. Carry this stick parallel to the ground as you cross the quagmire. If you fall into a soft spot it will prevent you from sinking too far, and you can use it to help yourself get free.
Cross a quagmire alone only in an emergency. Quagmires have a delicate ecosystem. Walking across one for fun is dangerous, both to you and to the fauna and flora.