Beachgoers’ top 20 pet peeves at the seaside including noisy kids and litter louts

A study of 2,000 adults found 52% have had their relaxation levels on the beach ‘ruined’ by people who have bad beach etiquette, with 41% naming loud children as the biggest annoyance

Misbehaving dogs, people shaking sand off their towels and those feeding seagulls are among the top annoyances for Brits at the beach. Smoky BBQs, public displays of affection and large tents or gazebos blocking the view also made the list.

According to a poll of 2,000 adults, noisy children were the number one annoyance (41%). 14% of respondents expressed frustration with early risers who claim sun loungers, and nearly half (46%) believe that an unoccupied lounger with a towel on it can be reclaimed after just one hour.

To combat these issues, 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.

The duo, aged 84 and 62 respectively, will serve as the brand’s new ‘Beach Rangers’, educating employees on how to spot and handle such annoyances.

The study also revealed that 68% of Brits are likely to visit a beach this summer, primarily to relax (52%), read a book (38%) and swim in the sea (35%). However, 75% stated that a peaceful coastal environment is important when they are on holiday.

Michael Whitehall commented: “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.”

“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 research also found nearly all respondents (94%) reported having their beach relaxation ruined by poor beach etiquette in the past. And 52% would welcome a designated ‘quiet zone’ where technology is banned, after social media has ruined the experience for 45%. While 20% would like a ban on budgie smugglers to come in.

When it comes to bad beach behaviour more than a quarter (26%) have left earlier than planned. Despite this, 45% wouldn’t confront the bothersome individual. And 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.”

TOP 20 BEACH BUGBEARS.

1. Noisy kids.
2. Litter bugs.
3. People playing loud music from portable speakers.
4. Unruly dogs.
5. Raucous Stag or Hen parties.
6. Being hit by a football or a frisbee.
7. People making loud phone calls.
8. People who feed seagulls.
9. People shaking sand off their towels, sending it flying.
10. Sun lounger reservers (people who get up early to bag the best beds).
11. Couples arguing.
12. Smoky BBQs.
13. People who set up large tents or gazebos ruining the view.
14. Drones (noise/privacy).
15. Social media poseurs e.g. fussy photoshoots and TikTok dancing.
16. Gratuitous public displays of affection (PDA’s).
17. Over revealing swimwear.
18. People who dig large holes and don’t fill them when they leave.
19. Strumming guitarists that can’t hold a tune.
20. People recklessly spraying sun oil, coating everyone.