A survey of 2,000 adults found the top 20 beach bugbears, including misbehaving children, people who shake their towels and those who feed seagulls
A new survey has revealed the top seaside annoyances for Brits, with misbehaving dogs, beachgoers shaking sand off their towels and people feeding seagulls topping the list. Other pet peeves include smoky BBQs, public displays of affection and large tents or gazebos blocking the view.
The poll, which surveyed 2,000 adults, found that noisy children were the biggest annoyance, with 41% of respondents naming them as such. Early risers who claim sun loungers also irked 14% of those surveyed, and nearly half (46%) believe that an unoccupied lounger with a towel on it can be reclaimed after just one hour.
To help Brits navigate these beachside annoyances, easyJet Holidays, which commissioned the research, has enlisted TV stars Michael and Hilary Whitehall to tackle antisocial beach behaviour by creating a series of etiquette signs. Michael, 84, and Hilary, 62, will serve as the brand’s new ‘Beach Rangers’, educating employees on how to spot and handle these annoyances.
The study also found that 68% of respondents are likely to visit a beach this summer, with relaxation (52%), reading a book (38%) and swimming in the sea (35%) being the main reasons. However, 75% of those polled said that a peaceful coastal environment is important when they’re on holiday, reports the Daily Star.
Comedian Michael Whitehall hit out, saying: “Nothing spoils a holiday faster than bad beach etiquette. Whether it’s shaking sand from towels everywhere or treating the beach like their own private nightclub, we’ve seen these issues all over the world.” He added: “It’s time to put a stop to them. As Beach Rangers, Hilary and I are here to educate tourists on the common courtesies and basic do’s and don’ts of beach etiquette to ensure everyone enjoys a great beach holiday this summer. And remember, never feed the seagulls. It never ends well.”
The study also found that nearly all of those questioned (94%) reported having their beach relaxation ruined by poor beach etiquette in the past, with 52% calling for a designated ‘quiet zone’ where technology is banned after revealing social media has ruined the experience for 45%. Meanwhile, 20% would like to see a ban on budgie smugglers.
More than a quarter (26%) of those surveyed admitted to leaving a beach earlier than planned because of other people’s behaviour, but despite this, 45% wouldn’t confront the bothersome individual, while half would be willing to pay more for a holiday if a peaceful experience was guaranteed.
Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet Holidays, said: “Beach holidays are Britain’s top vacation choice at this time of year. While everyone is free to enjoy their holidays in their own way, we want all Brits to have a restful experience, and thanks to our new Beach Rangers, summer getaways abroad will no longer be disrupted by those who are out to kill the chill.”
