Why does anyone like the beach? It's hot, it's sandy, it's dangerous.

English people invented going to the seaside for fun in the 19th century. Clearly, they were out of their minds.

Not every person is a beach person.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Eloy Alonso)

English people invented going to the seaside for fun in the 19th century. Clearly, they were out of their minds.

If this summer has taught me nothing else, it's that the beach is not for humans. It's the ultimate hostile environment, yet we continue to collectively insist it's a paradise that will magically turn us into relaxed, hot-bodied beauties.

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Ruth Margolis
Ruth ​Margolis is a British ​journalist living in the U.S. Her work has appeared in ​The Guardian, ​The ​Daily Telegraph and BBCAmerica.com.