Brits reveal the beach bugbears that ruin a day beside the sea

NewsUK NewsThere's a new problem for younger generations12:29, 29 Jul 2026Think parking problems, sandy shoes and grim public toilets are the biggest things spoiling a day at the beach? For younger generations, there's a new frustration climbing the list - a dying phone.‌For many Gen Z beachgoers, a fully charged mobile is now almost as essential as sun cream. New research from eco-tech brand Hive found that 84% get frustrated by poor phone signal, while the same proportion worry about damaging their devices at the beach. Almost three-quarters (72%) admit a flat battery can put a dampener on an otherwise perfect day by the sea, compared with just 37% of Baby Boomers.‌The poll found that losing phone signal (12%), struggling to see a screen in bright sunshine (11%), having nowhere to charge