By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Maybe your parents refused to let you put elbows on the table. Maybe you always say thank you after someone holds the door for you. Maybe you always send a gift when a friend gets married or has a baby. Manners are the unspoken rules of our society, and we follow them to communicate to others that we are considerate of our neighbors. Without manners we would be eating with our hands, passing gas at networking events, and covering the earth with garbage. Manners also apply to the beach. As the temperature heats up, and you head to the beach, consider these golden rules:
Keep a reasonable distance from other parties
Most people, when they come to the beach, want to spot with a view of the ocean and are close to a lifeguard. Try to practice COVID-19 social distancing rules and maintain a six feet distance between your group and other parties. Be mindful of others, especially if you have a lot of items or people in your group. Consider a play area for your children and laying out to tan (make sure you have enough room). The beach is first-come, first-serve, so the people who arrive first on the beach have more rights than those who arrive later. If you end up arguing over a spot, the first beachgoer has seniority.
Practice ocean safety
Always swim between the green flags and in front of a lifeguard. Understand the risks involved with swimming in the ocean, such as rip currents, and be knowledgeable about how to get out of a strong outgoing riptide. Some spots have higher levels of rip currents such as near jetties. Keep in mind everyone in your party’s swimming abilities and think about how each one can swim safely, whether that’s staying close to the shore or using floatation devices. Always follow the lifeguard’s instructions.
Play music and speak at a low volume.
Because of close quarters, expect to be overheard by other groups nearby. Play music through headphones, but if you would like to share music, play it at a low volume, as many people want to enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing. If you make a phone call, talk quietly. If you strike up a conversation amongst your group, use family-friendly language and imagery. You never know who might be listening.
Watch your children and direct them away from others
There’s a fine line between letting your kids have fun and provoking other beach goers. Make sure that your children stay within the bounds of your set-up and never kick or throw sand (it could get in someone’s eyes). If the little ones dig a hole, fill it in when you leave so that walkers don’t sprain an ankle. Keep their toys nearby. and remember the beach should be fun for everyone.
Respect wildlife
Seagulls can be really annoying, but they are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so never enact revenge on these animals if they steal your pizza. If you find a crab, do not capture it or stomp on it. Observe the creature from a distance and if it wanders away, don’t chase it. Stay vigilant of jellyfish (they may sting) and any other animal. Ultimately, be kind to critters that share the beach with you.
Remove all trash
Litter and human waste destroys the ocean and beach habitats. When you pack up and head home, leave the beach the way you found it, which includes disposing of garbage, food containers, plastic bags and drink cups. Thousands come to our beaches because of their beauty, and no one wants to see litter. Also it can be hazardous to sea life.
Be considerate to other people and wildlife.
Don’t do anything gross
If you think someone might gawk at another because they are doing something unsavory, do not mimic their behavior. Pick a wedgie or a booger in privacy. Get a room if you can’t keep your hands off your lover. It’s rude to make other beach goers uncomfortable and potentially ruin their experience.
Most of these recommendations are logical and fairly easy to practice. Common sense is less common than ever lately, so try to think through every action you take, whether it’s passive or active, so you can treat your neighbor with courtesy. We are so lucky to enjoy the beach easily, so try to keep the peace, and if someone is being really rude, don’t be afraid to reach out to local police officers, often found patrolling the boardwalk. Together we can make the beach an even more magical place.
