Beach erosion happens when tides, waves, and wind move sand away from beaches and dunes, especially during storms or high tides. This can create steep, unstable erosion scarps and expose hidden objects. It can also damage dune vegetation, infrastructure, and nearby properties.

Sand often returns during calmer conditions, but if the sand on the beach does not fully replenish, the shoreline can gradually move inland. This is called shoreline recession.

Erosion and shoreline recession are expected to get worse as sea levels rise. This will put more foreshore areas at risk.