Popular item found on Aussie beaches divides

A popular item is dividing Australians once again, with one person declaring it was taking up “prime real estate” on the beach.

A popular item is dividing Australians once again, with one person declaring it was taking up “prime real estate” on the beach.

Cabanas have been a staple of going to the beach since January 2023. The most popular brand has been CoolCabanas but brands such as Aldi and Kmart have made their own versions.

Despite the fact the items are on their third summer in Australia, they still prove to be incredibly polarising.

Nic, who goes by @gunclediaries on TikTok, has posted several videos about the sun shades. The social media user has praised places such as the Northern Beaches and the cement part of Clovelly as the “place to be” as there were no cabanas in sight.

In another clip he counted how many cabanas there were, saying there were “up to eight” meaning there was “no room on the beach”.

He said people should be “charged for the space” they take up, adding they took up “prime real estate” at the beach.

The comment section was divided.

Nic has made a series about the devices. Picture: TikTok/@gunclediaries

“They should only be at the back of the beach,” one said.

Another: “Cool cabanas are AMAZING!”

“Those things p*** me the f*** off,” one commented.

Another social media user commented: “You are doing the Lord’s work.”

“Agree 100 per cent. People gotta be more considerate when it comes to public places,” one added.

One commented: “Why do you have beef with the CoolCabanas? Did they show too much shade in your direction?”

Others pointed out the important sun safety aspect of the cabanas.

“My whole family is so fair, if we don’t have one of these to sit under we can only stay at the beach for 3.5 minutes,” one said.

Another added: “I need spf 1000 and a beach umbrella to not burn to a crisp in the sun.”

Anita Dessaix, Chair of Cancer Council’s Public Health Committee, said Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world with two in three Aussies diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Cabanas have divded Australia. Picture: TikTok @gunclediaries

The trend started in 2023. Picture: TikTok/@viralqueenliv

“More than one in four Australians said that sun protection isn’t a part of their daily routine in summer. Also, in Australia, one in eight adults and one in five teenagers are sunburnt on an average summer weekend,” Ms Dessaix told news.com.au last year.

“That’s why products like cabanas that are specially designed to protect individuals from the sun and have a high UPF rating are useful to create shade but should be used in combination with other sun protection measures.”

However, Ms Dessaix said cabanas shouldn’t be used to extend a person’s time in the sun.

“While not always possible, minimising exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the most effective strategy to prevent skin cancer,” she said.

“To seek shade, use trees, built shade structures, or bring your own gazebo or umbrella with a high UPF designed to offer sun protection. Shade reduces exposure to UV radiation, but it can still reach you via reflection – especially around water – so make sure you use shade in combination with other sun protection measures.”