Summertime is nearing, and the crowds are just beginning to show up in Ocean City. Everyone is looking for a little piece of heaven and some relaxation time while they’re on vacation, and Ocean City happens to be the destination for many. As beaches become more crowded with locals looking to grab some rays on the weekend, and vacationers looking to spend time with family and take a break from the desk chair, it is important to recognize and be familiar with some basic beach etiquette.
Beach etiquette has a fairly simple goal; make sure everyone is happy and has fun! However, when someone is unfamiliar with proper beach etiquette, they can affect the days of all around them. Here’s five tips to make sure everyone enjoys their time at the beach.
5 Be a good neighbor
Since everyone goes to the beach to have fun (or at least I do) it is important not to intrude on others. Any experienced beach-goer will tell you their biggest pet peeve is when someone else plops their belongings right in their personal space. When you’re putting on sunscreen or shaking your towel off keep in mind the wind direction. Sand or sunscreen in your eyes can be painful and annoying. Give everyone a little space and respect their personal bubble! There’s plenty of beach for everyone.
4 Be Friendly
It’s important to be nice to everyone, especially the lifeguards. Being friendly on the beach is a must. Go there with a good attitude and spread the joy. Everyone is there for the same reason; to have fun! Most beach-goers are happy to carry on a little small talk. Be friendly with your temporary neighbors. You never know who you may meet on the beach, it is a small world after all. In addition, most lifeguards are happy to have a brief conversation with you, especially if you go up to the stand with a big smile. However, do keep in mind that their eyes are constantly scanning the shoreline for potential victims, so don’t be offended if they don’t make eye contact.
3 Thank the Lifeguard Before You Leave
Lifeguards are on stand every day in the hot sun to ensure your safety and the safety of the others at the beach. Sitting in the sun can be tiring, not to mention the grueling workouts many go through before they even reach the stand. A quick “thank you” before you leave goes a long way.
2 Do Not Feed The Seagulls!
Sure it’s fun to tease them and have a wild animal flock all around you, but there is a logic to this. Seagulls are migratory birds. This means they are supposed to migrate along with the temperatures. If everyone feeds them all summer, they think this is a perfect place to set up home. Many end up starving or freezing to death in the winter when everyone leaves the beach. Oh, and it’s an offense you can get a fine for.
1 Pack in, Pack out
Pick up your trash and make sure you have ALL of it. The beach isn’t a garbage can, and it’s likely someone will call you out if you leave trash behind. As they say, “leave only your footprints.”
Now get out there, be safe, and have a great time. The beach is the best place to enjoy a hot summer day.
Don’t smoke on the beach. It’s disgusting smell can ruin someone else’s day.