Australian lifeguards puzzled by Danish beach habits

Danish beachgoers’ relaxed attitude toward rules has both amused and frustrated a group of Australian lifeguards currently on exchange in Denmark, according to a report by DR.

Seven foreign lifeguards—six from Australia and one from France—are now working on Danish beaches as part of an exchange program organized by Trygfondens Kystlivredning. The initiative aims to share experiences and techniques with lifeguards from other countries.

Each year, the organization invites between five and eight lifeguards from abroad, all personally recommended by their supervisors. While the exchange receives no financial support, Trygfondens Kystlivredning assists with practical arrangements. The foreign lifeguards always work alongside a Danish counterpart.

Anders Hammer, head of training at Trygfondens Kystlivredning, said the biggest differences are cultural rather than technical. Australians are particularly surprised by how long Danes stay at the beach, with some arriving in the morning and leaving only in the late afternoon—a practice uncommon in Australia, where higher temperatures and UV levels discourage prolonged exposure.

The Australians are also struck by Danish disregard for swimming between the flags marked by lifeguards. In Australia, lifeguards actively enforce this rule with whistles and signals, acting as a kind of beach authority. Conversely, the visiting lifeguards appreciate Denmark’s fewer regulations but note that Danes are too relaxed about supervising children, especially near water. In their home countries, leaving children unattended would draw immediate intervention.