Key Points
- Summer has returned, and with it, another beach season, with locals and tourists alike packing out the coastlines.
- But what does proper etiquette look like? How can you best enjoy a day at the beach while being considerate of others?
- SBS News spoke to beachgoers to find out what they think the rules are when it comes to a day of sun, surf and sand.
With summer well and truly upon us once again, many tourists and locals are flocking to beaches all around Australia.
As beaches fill up, appropriate behaviour on the sand and in the surf is again being debated, and SBS News spoke to beachgoers about the do's and don'ts.
From playing music to setting up tents and bringing your dog, here's what they say you need to know about beach etiquette.
Taking up space
Tents, cabanas, and large umbrellas are common sights on beaches and offer a great option for shade and sun protection. But during busy times, it is important to be mindful of how much space you are taking up.
Beach-goers say there are certain considerations people should make when setting up their spot on the beach. Source: Getty / SOPA Images
"You see some people have a lot bigger tents and cabanas than others, and people spread themselves out a lot more ... I think it might be due to a few years ago when we had social distancing, people don't like to be too close to each other," he said.
"It all depends on the scenario ... one person doesn't need a big cabana."
Another beachgoer, Des, agreed.
Des says beach etiquette should be based on common sense. Source: SBS News
"I think a lot of it is common sense."
Another beachgoer, Ceci, said tents and umbrellas do not bother her.
"There is a lot of beach, and even if somebody has a big tent, there are plenty of other places to go," she said.
"I feel like even big groups, I can't imagine somebody taking up so much space where there's not enough space left."
One beachgoer says it "depends on the scenario" when it comes to how much space you take up on the sand. Source: Getty / Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group
Playing loud music
Ceci said she believes loud music can ruin the peace and quiet of other people enjoying the beach.
"That's really annoying because we'd all like to listen to music, but if everybody's playing something, it ruins the peacefulness," she said.
"You can just wear headphones."
Dean said he doesn't see a problem with playing music, as long as it's not too loud.
"Me and my girlfriend have speakers with us, and we play it from time to time, but we don't blare it as loud as we can," he said.
"It's not a nightclub."
Are smoking and drinking allowed on the beach?
While regulations differ between states and local government areas, smoking is generally banned on patrolled beaches in the section of beach between the flags.
There are restrictions on smoking and vaping on many of Australia's popular beaches. Source: Getty / Andrea Lardani
Kaya, who was making the most of summertime in Australia at the beach, told SBS she found it a bit "weird" that drinking alcohol on the beach was not a common sight.
"I'm British and we drink at the beach all the time, that is what you do at the beach," she said.
Beach-goer Kaya was quizzed by SBS News on beach etiquette. Source: SBS News
In other parts of the country, drinking alcohol in public is considered illegal unless you are in a licensed area, such as a pub or another type of designated drinking area.
This would mean drinking alcohol on most beaches around the rest of the country is illegal, however the topic has garnered a bit of inquiry on social media forums including Reddit.
In one thread on the topic, a user named latenightloopi summed up the sentiment of many.
"The bans are there to limit antisocial behaviour around alcohol. If you are just enjoying a picnic on the beach and minding your own business, not causing a problem, no one is going to come at you for having a few discreet drinks.
"[On] the other hand, if you are doing something that someone might complain about, authorities can take steps to remove you and or your booze," they wrote.
Alcohol does impair judgement, so it is important to be aware of alcohol consumption when swimming.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
Sophie, who was also enjoying the sun and the sea at St Kilda, told SBS News she does not mind if people bring their dog to the beach "as long as they are not running rogue and nicking someone's sandwich".
In many places, particular beaches are specified as dog beaches. Other places designate times of the day or certain months of the year when dogs are allowed to be taken on beaches.
Rules about whether you can take your canine friend to the beach differ around Australia, so it is best to check on the website for the local government area you are in. Source: AAP / Richard Wainwright
Staying safe
Unlike other countries, Australia does not have private beaches, so they are free for the public to use.
It's important to take precautions before you enjoy a day in the water.
According to Royal Life Saving Australia figures, there have been nearly 40 drowning deaths in Australia since summer started.
Royal Life Saving Australia's recommendations include recognising potential hazards, swimming between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, reading safety signage, and avoiding swimming at night or after consuming alcohol.
Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that before heading to the beach, people check the conditions and also complete , which they call a 'beach passport'.
