Socio-economic differences in the physical activity (and safety) promoting features of Australian beaches

Background: Natural outdoor environments such as beaches are important settings for people to engage in physical activity. However, the quality and safety of beaches can differ across neighbourhoods, with higher socioeconomic status (SES) neighbourhoods having disproportionately better access to natural blue spaces.

Purpose: This study examined the physical activity promoting features and amenities of beaches and how these differed by neighbourhood SES.

Methods: Beaches (n=76) in Perth, Western Australia were audited using a modified version of the BlueHealth Environmental Assessment Tool (BEAT). The BEAT tool assesses the health enhancing features and activities taking place in blue spaces. Regression analysis examined associations between beaches features and activities conducted in and around beaches and how this varied by neighbourhood SES. Significance was set at a 2-sided P < .05.

Results: Compared with low SES neighbourhoods, beaches in high SES suburbs had significantly higher scores of greenspace quality, lifeguard patrols and footpath networks. Significantly more people visited beaches in high SES areas, compared with beaches in low SES areas.

Walking, dog walking, and swimming were the most common activities at beaches regardless of neighbourhood SES. Across all neighbourhoods’ swimming was more common at beaches with lifeguards. In low SES suburbs dog walking was associated with higher quality footpath networks around the beach. There were no significant associations between general walking and beach features.

Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest beaches in high SES areas possess features more likely to be associated with physical activity and safety.

Practical implications: These findings should be considered by those involved in urban planning, preservation of natural spaces and physical activity promotion, particularly in low SES areas.

Funding: PG and EA were supported by an Australian Government Research Training Scholarship. HC was supported by a National Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship (#102549).