New research from eco-tech brand Hive has identified the biggest beach-day frustrations for Britons. For younger generations, mobile phone issues have become a significant problem.
Gen Z's Top Beach Concerns
The poll found that 84% of Gen Z beachgoers get frustrated by poor phone signal, and the same proportion worry about damaging their devices. Additionally, 72% admit a flat battery can spoil a day at the beach, compared with just 37% of Baby Boomers.
Specific phone-related complaints include losing signal (12%), struggling to see screens in sunlight (11%), having no charging point (9%), and sand getting into phone cases (8%).
Traditional Annoyances Still Linger
However, traditional annoyances still dominate overall: dirty public toilets (43%), parking struggles (30%), and sand in shoes (26%). Seagull attacks (25%), sand in sandwiches (22%), and sandy feet (21%) also feature prominently.
Hive Powersol: A Solar Solution
To help keep beachgoers connected, Hive has launched the Powersol - a solar-powered parasol that generates renewable electricity, allowing visitors to charge their devices while enjoying some-needed shade.
Susan Wells, solar director at Hive, said: "Dead phones and no charging points have become a familiar frustration for Brits at the beach, especially when people rely on their devices for digital tickets, maps, messaging and mobile payments. At a time when energy can feel unpredictable, we wanted to give people a way to feel more in control. With the Hive Powersol, we're literally harnessing the power of the sun to keep Britain powered up, wherever they are."
Top 20 Beach-Day Grumbles
- Gross public toilets – 43%
- No parking spaces – 30%
- Sand in the shoes – 26%
- Seagull attacks – 25%
- Sand in the sandwiches – 22%
- Getting sandy feet – 21%
- The long walk from the car park to the beach – 20%
- Chilly sea temperatures – 19%
- Too many pebbles on the beach – 19%
- It's too hot – 18%
- Sand in the eyes – 17%
- Cutting feet on sharp stones – 13%
- No phone signal – 12%
- Stepping on slimy seaweed – 12%
- Poor phone screen visibility – 11%
- Getting stung by a jellyfish – 10%
- Having to wee in the sea because the toilets are too far away – 10%
- Nowhere to charge your phone – 9%
- Hair getting frizzy and sticky – 9%
- Sandals or flip-flops rubbing your feet – 9%
