Social Etiquette Tip of the Week - A Place in the Sun

[Maria Brady]

Before I could even ask one of my busy brides about her holiday weekend, she suggested I write an article on beach etiquette. She proceeded to share what she was forced to deal with while trying to enjoy her well-deserved beach day. Thank you, Tricia, for inspiring this tip of the week!

How often have you been forced to put up with sand flying in your face, obnoxious loud neighbors (that are usually two feet from your towel), unruly children, and any number of annoying things that interfered with your day of rest? When heading to your car, did you find yourself wondering what exactly has happened to good manners?

Here's what is totally NOT cool on the beach...

Don’t invade anyone’s space! Unless the beach is super crowded, place your beach paraphernalia a minimum of 15 feet from anyone already in an established spot. If you brought half your worldly possessions to the beach, from boom-box and boogie-boards to tents,coolers and beach chairs, make every effort not to slowly spread out as the day progresses.

Let everyone enjoy the view! Part of the pleasure of going to the beach is to enjoy the view. Do not set up right in front of someone who planned well enough to get to the beach early for that choice piece of real estate. Put yourself in that person’s flip-flops…how would you feel? Just plan better next time and get to the beach earlier.

Noise, noise, noise. Remember that your voice carries in the wind, so there is no need to speak at a higher octave than you normally do. Do not play loud boom boxes. Whatever music you are blasting will be bothersome to your neighbor. Nobody wants to hear your music, just bring earplugs.

Avoid feeding seagulls at the beach! It is very important to keep your food covered and do not feed the seagulls. Feeding them will only keep them hovering and before you know it a whole flock will swarm the area to chase you for more food. It’s not fun for the people around you who are trying to relax. How do you relax on a beach with hundreds of sea gulls around you dive-bombing for food? And you know it’s just a matter of minutes before they start pooping on you.

Play responsibly. With any games that involve flying objects, Frisbee, badminton, football, etc., toss only where there's no risk of the object flying into someone's head. Only obnoxious people play ball over others heads while they are trying to relax. Also, game playing should never risk kicking sand onto others.

Look out for others in the water before engaging in vigorous splashing, diving, yelling to friends who are several hundred yards away, and other boisterous play. Maintain control of boogie boards and other water toys so that everyone has a safe day at the beach.

Supervise children. Unsupervised children can get lost in the crowd or may annoy your beach neighbors by kicking sand or being disruptive. While an expanse of beach is an inviting space for free play don’t let children run unsupervised.

Take your garbage…leave only footprints. Don't bury your rubbish in the sand,take it home with you, or put it in the trash receptacle. And when shaking out your blanket make every effort to prevent sand from blowing into other people’s eyes.

If all beachgoers follow the basic rules of good behavior everyone will enjoy a place in the sun!

[Zelena One]

And please leave the cigarettes/cigars in the car. Even at Dog Beach!

[Marsha]

Thank GOD someone has finally put this in writing, too bad we couldn't post it at the beach!!!!

[Diane White]

Thank you for that wonderful post.