We’ve all been there, we get our perfect spot on the beach, set out all our stuff, get the kids and the hubby all lathered up with sunblock and then some group of loud, music toting people come and sit right next to us. Don’t be that group on the beach – here is our list of 10 beach etiquette rules to make our beach day for ourselves and everyone else perfect.
- Mind the Space – Keep at least a beach towel’s length between you and the next group.
- Keep it Clean – Help keep the beach clean and enjoyable for all by throwing away your trash in the proper receptacles
- Wear Biodegradable Sunscreen – Every year between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen washes off of tourists during their vacations. This sunscreen contains chemicals and oils that are harmful to the marine ecosystem, particularly coral reefs.
- Shake the Towel Elsewhere – Take note of the wind, walk into an empty area and wave it like you just don’t care. The easiest way to not piss people off at the beach is by keeping the sand out of their eyes and mouths.
- Fill your Holes – The kids just dug a giant sand hole, but no one wants to fall into it.
- Keep it PG – Language, PDA and exposure are included
- Don’t Blast Music – Sure, you’d like to enjoy your music but keep it low enough so your neighbors don’t have to listen to your favorite rock band. Better yet, use earphones.
- Don’t Hog Beach Chairs – You may want the best spot on the beach, but don’t put your belongings on a chair just to go back to your hotel or condo to snooze for a couple more hours.
- Don’t Feed the Birds – Not only is trying to eat your beach snacks around relentless seagulls annoying, it’s not good for their health. Handouts of bread, fast food, and so forth can make them sick and lead to overcrowding in places that humans frequent, like beaches.
- Don’t Ignore Warnings – Those signs warning of riptides, strong currents, and jellyfish are there for a reason…to keep you and your fellow beachgoers safe.
Follow these simple 10 guidelines, and you’re sure to avoid all the dirty looks.
Did we leave something out? Any other beach etiquette rules you can think of for maximizing beach enjoyment?