Beach Etiquette

Highlights of Beach Etiquette

Let's check the list. You've packed your swimsuit, your towel and your sunscreen, but did you remember to pack your manners? Beach etiquette is one of the most important accessories for ensuring a happy day at the shore for everyone.

With that in mind, let's review the most important highlights of beach etiquette.

Dress Appropriately

There's a world full of sexy swimsuits out there, but they aren't all suitable for a public beach. When choosing a swimsuit for your outing, consider the type of beach you're going to visit. Is it a family venue? If so, a suit that fully covers your backside is your best choice. If it happens to be a private beach that doesn't require modest swimwear, go ahead and pack your thong, but bring a cover up or shorts just in case.

Clean Up After Yourself

No one wants to relax on a filthy beach. If you plan to eat, drink, smoke or change diapers, be sure to employ the use of the nearest garbage can. If there's no garbage can in sight, find one that's not so close. In fact, it's a good idea to bring an empty plastic bag with you to the beach in the event you may not be able to find a trash receptacle.

As unpleasant as it may sound, if you can't find a garbage can, you'll have to take your garbage home and throw it away in your own trash bin. There's no excuse for polluting a beach. If you smoke or accidentally drop a bottle or glass in the sand, please pick it up and dispose of it properly. Lit cigarettes and broken glass can hurt tender feet, and they're hazardous for animals too.

Be Mindful of Those Around You

If you're on a public beach, there's a good chance it will be crowded. Nonetheless, the people around you also came to the beach to relax. If you're throwing a Frisbee, make sure you're playing in an area where it won't hit other people or their belongings.

If you must listen to music, keep it at a low volume. Others might not share your enthusiasm for punk rock or hip hop and may even prefer the sounds of the sea gulls and the surf to a loud thumping bass.

When walking or running, do your best not to kick sand on your fellow beach goers, and be careful not to tread on their belongings. No one likes a sandy blanket, especially if the sand came from someone else's feet.

Be Mindful of the Wildlife

Watching the wildlife is one thing, but to harass or destroy birds, animals or fish and their environment is absolutely unacceptable. Respect for wildlife also includes respecting plants on the beach or in the water.

Use the Proper Facilities

If you have to go to the bathroom, use the building designated specifically for this purpose. The sand, water, boardwalk, sidewalk and parking lot are not bathrooms. Relieving yourself in the water and other outside areas is not only disgusting, it's unhealthy.

Good Manners

Avoid foul language or overt public displays of affection. Children might be close by and they shouldn't witness inappropriate behavior. In addition, many adults don't want to hear truck driver talk and bedroom details.

Try not to take up too much space. It's always good manners to leave room for others. Unless the beach is incredibly crowded, try to leave several blanket lengths between you and others around you.

Do Unto Others

Whether you're on the beach or in your home, it's always important to treat others as you would expect them to treat you. Most beach etiquette is common sense, but it doesn’t hurt to brush up every now and then.