What is it with people when they go to the beach? It is as though all manners have gone right out the window since they are on vacation. Going to the beach can still be fun even while you use good manners. Here are some rules I have come up with to ensure beach fun for everyone:
Control your children - You know who you are -- the one that immediately forgets you have kids once you turn them loose on the beach at large? Kids should be allowed to have fun on the beach. They should be allowed to dig, splash, chase crabs, flip sand in their hair and even bury dad when he is not looking. That said, they should be doing this while under your supervision and away from other people. Nobody wants to be in charge of your kids on their vacation.
Keep twenty feet between you - It is simple math. Figure a minimum of twenty feet in every direction to find your beach spot. This allows for room to move and flying sand, as well as personal space. If someone is within twenty feet and the beach is not extremely crowded, then you sat too close.
Watch that flying sand - Flying sand is one of the worst problems on the beach and it is also the most common. When you shake out that towel, walk in those flip flops or wipe off that sand, understand that the wind is going to take it elsewhere. If that elsewhere is into someone’s eyes, that is not very nice. Pay attention where your sand is going.
Turn down that music - Sound travels on the beach rather easily and a loud radio is extremely annoying. In a world where iPods are on babies, I highly suggest some earbuds to keep the peace.
Watch the dreaded flip flop - The moment you hit the beach, take off your flip flops. Flip flops flip sand everywhere as mentioned above, but they also throw sand forward. This means it is virtually impossible to navigate the beach without throwing your sand on other people’s towels. Take them off and enjoy the sand between your toes.
Leash that Dog - Dogs without leashes are accidents waiting to happen on a crowded beach. Not only that, it is against the law. Keep them on that leash and keep them safe.
Don’t stare no matter how good your reasons - Although you very well might see something you have never seen before, you still should stay directly behind those sunglasses. Staring is rude and can get you in tons of trouble.
Clean up your mess - When you leave the beach, make it cleaner than when you got there. Try to pick up a few things that were not even yours if you can. Sadly, our beaches have things all over the place so finding some trash to get rid of should be easy. Do your part and clean up that beach!
What are some of your best tips for behaving at the beach?
