Calls for cabana-free zones on our beaches
Tourism Australia’s Beach Ambassador, Brad Farmer, has challenged Northern Beaches Council to implement a cabana-free zone as the debate heats up around etiquette.
Over the summer, beach goers have flooded radio stations complaining about the practice of ‘saving’ beach space with a cabana in the morning – but returning hours later.
“We are potentially turning the beach into a social conflict zone,” Mr Farmer told PL. “We don’t need people facing off over a cabana. (We should) have a dedicated zone at the back of the beach and well away from the flags or popular access areas.”
Mr Farmer said cabanas affected the line of vision with parents unable to watch their children, and hindered surf life savers rescue operations.
“If a person needs immediate evacuation, surf life savers have to navigate back through a maze of beach furniture to get to an ambulance,” Mr Farmer said. “That is disgraceful.”
Tim Cuthbert, president of Manly Surf Life Saving Club, told PL that although Manly hasn’t had people ‘staking ground’ early in the morning, they have had issues with sight lines.
“The beach slopes down towards the water, and we normally set up our tent patrol at the back by the promenade (so we can) see down to the water,” said Mr Cuthbert. “But all the cabanas in front, and even umbrellas, affect our sight line down to the flags. So we have to set up on top of the promenade or get down earlier to stake our claim nearer the water’s edge.”
Mr Cuthbert said some clubs used cones to keep beach space clear for rescues. “Freshwater can’t get vehicles out of the club down to the beach, so they set up a coned area like a runway,” said Mr Cuthbert. “But we don’t have the space.”
Cancer Council NSW said the increase in the use of cabanas was a ‘positive trend’.
“Not only does it provide a cooler spot to relax, but good quality shade can reduce UV exposure by up to 75%,” said Liz King, skin cancer prevention manager at Cancer Council NSW.
“At least 95% of all skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation, (so) nearly all skin cancers can be prevented,” Ms King told PL. “Using a cabana, tent or umbrella is an excellent way … to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.”