Burials on the sands at Brean

I've had a query about the practice of burying bodies which have been washed up on the shore in the sands above the high water line at Brean.  I see that in the preface to the transcritions of Brean Burial Registers we have said that it was common practice at one time.  I also note that some bodies of unknown drowned sailors were buried in unconsecrated ground near the church because they did not know their religious beliefs. Does anyone know whether this was a local custom or was it done elsewhere?