A perfect day at the beach doesn’t just depend on the weather: The behavior of the people around you can be the difference between a restful vacation and a stressful day out, especially as increasing numbers of travelers opt for local trips that don’t require international flights. Ahead, several beach etiquette principles to remember the next time you head out for a day near the seashore.
Don’t crowd the other beachgoers
If you believe the spot you claim on the sand can make or break the success of your entire beach day, don’t dawdle over coffee and then squeeze in too close to another party—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (whether you are vaccinated or not).
If you prefer a slow morning and an afternoon by the water, be respectful of the families who got there first.
Allow other beachgoers to enjoy the ocean view and parents to keep an eye on kids in the surf—and don’t plop five or six feet away from someone when you have ample plots to choose from.
Keep your voice and music volume low.
No one should head to a public shore point in the summer expecting a silent, meditative experience, but you also shouldn’t disrupt the people around you with music, loud conversations, or foul language.
Don’t leave your trash.
Bring a couple of garbage bags (plastic or paper) with you to the beach and collect all of your trash—that includes food wrappers, diapers, newspapers, and whatever else you bring—prior to departing. If there is no room in the garbage can, either find one that has space or bring it back home with you.
Pay attention to your kids (and pets)
A long, hot, tiring beach day primes every kid for a meltdown, but allowing your younger family members—whether toddlers or tweens—to disrupt the people around you is a firm etiquette “no.”
Monitor children, make sure they don’t throw sand or walk on other people’s towels If you have true safety concerns about the behavior of someone’s kids, you can politely broach the topic with the parents—but otherwise, you’re better off ignoring small annoyances. (Source: YahooLife)
