A British woman who relocated to Australia has sparked an online debate after expressing her bewilderment at a common beach practice – or lack thereof. Sarah Bolson, 30, found herself the subject of curious looks and direct comments for undertaking an activity she considered utterly normal: changing out of her swimwear on the sand under the cover of a towel.
A Seaside Custom Clash
Sarah, who moved from the UK to Western Australia with her husband Jamie in 2024, explained that the 'jiggle jiggle' towel technique was a staple of her British beach upbringing. "Growing up in the UK, I would just wrap a towel around me," she recounted in a video on her @ozlifewithsarah social media account. She described a modest manoeuvre to swap wet swimmers for dry clothes without needing a dedicated changing room.
However, after numerous trips to Australia's famed coastlines, she cottoned on to a stark cultural difference. "I've noticed that Australians don't do this," she observed. Her practice didn't go unnoticed by locals, who on several occasions approached her mid-change to point out the nearest public facilities.
Local Explanations Pour In
Sarah's video quickly amassed thousands of views and hundreds of comments, with Australians keen to explain the reasoning behind their beach behaviour. A predominant theme centred on comfort and convenience rather than mere modesty.
Many respondents highlighted the simple fact of the climate. "We stay in our bathers and rinse the sand off at the outdoor beach showers before getting in the car," one person wrote. "Shower and change at home. Helps you keep cool." The logic is that swimwear dries quickly in the hot sun during the journey home, making a sandy, sunscreen-covered change on the beach unnecessary and messy.
Others pointed to a sense of public decorum in family-friendly spaces. "Because the beach is a family environment and it's not worth risking accidentally flashing the whole beach for your own convenience," one comment read. Another added cheekily: "All fun and games until someone drops their towel…"
Sticking to Her Guns
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sarah said she realised she was 'the only one changing on the beach' about a month after her move. While she now understands the local perspective, she has largely decided to stick with her tried-and-tested method.
"Very occasionally I succumb to the social pressure and change in the changing rooms," she admitted. "I have even once worn my swimmers home as suggested by many Australians. But nine out of 10 times I'll still get changed at the beach."
She maintains that her technique is effective, concluding: "In my opinion, I do a pretty good job of staying covered up during the process." The episode stands as a charming example of the everyday cultural learning curves faced by expats, where even simple routines like a post-swim change can reveal unexpected national norms.
