A new trend seems to be taking over the beaches of Australia. People are doing their best to avoid being burnt while still enjoying a beach day, with the use of beach cabanas exploding this summer.
This beach item, essentially an open-air tent, is typically seen on European sandy beaches. But social media videos show beaches in places such as on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and in Perth, Western Australia, filled with them.
One clip from @viralqueenliv revealed one beach covered in the colourful tents.
“CoolCabanas taking over the Gold Coast,” text over the clip said, referring to a popular brand of beach cabanas.
Later in the clip, the poster complained they were taking up “prime real estate”.
But many social media users were quick to defend the trend, calling it a positive step for sun safety.
Read: 11 reasons the beach is actually the worst
“I don’t get it – people aren’t taking up more space than they normally would, they just have shade,” one person wrote.
Another added: “They’re all over Perth too! I don’t know, I think it’s cool people are being conscious about the sun.”
One said: “I think they’re great – they don’t block the view like the old tents.”
“I wish I had one! My $15 Kmart umbrella didn’t stand a chance. Thirroul 1, Umbrella 0,” another commented.
Others said they had seen the cabanas in places such as Sydney, Newcastle and Noosa.
Read: The world’s most crowded beaches
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The Cancer Council recommends Aussies use sunscreen that is at least SPF30+ for protection while in the sun.
It also recommends wearing loose clothing, putting on a hat and sunglasses and finding a spot in the shade.
What do you think about the beach trend? How do you stay sun safe at the beach? Let us know in the comments section below.
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The trouble is if they are all lined up along the beach it makes it hard for people to gain access to the water. They should be a set distance from the water’s edge to allow swimmers access to the water, towards the rear edge of the beach would be good. They are a good sun safety idea.