Going to the beach for July 4th? Don't be the person on the sand that everyone hates.

06/30/2021

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You’re sprawled out on a beach towel, the smell of salt and sunscreen fills the air, and as the sun warms your back and shoulders, the sound of crashing waves lulls you into a light sleep.

Then, suddenly, you are awakened by a face full of sand.

Yep, someone just rushed past your towel to catch a flying Frisbee or race their friends to the ocean, not realizing that they kicked sand right in your direction.

It’s times like this when we wonder why people don’t have the decency to follow some basic beach etiquette. Everyone is at the beach for the same reason: to have a good time. So, let’s show some respect, right?

While individual beaches set certain rules and regulations, some of these expectations for how people should behave while visiting the beach are unwritten.

To help everyone out, especially during this busy summer season, we talked to some beachgoers in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and polled our staff to give you a handbook: How to be a Better Beach Bum.

Here are some of the top answers.

DO continue social distancing

OK, while keeping 6 feet away from others may not always be realistic on the beach, this is one COVID-19 rule that some beachgoers say they wish would stay.

When you go to the beach, you want your space. It’s one thing that everyone can do “to keep it friendly” while on the beach, said Tiara Gardener, who was visiting from Dover.

More: Don’t let an argument over COVID-19 rules ruin your summer vacation. Here’s how to avoid one.

This also means don’t be that person who sits down inches from an empty chair. The owner of that chair probably just left to get an ice cream cone or use the restroom, and they will not be enthused when they find you suddenly popping their personal space bubble.

But this isn’t just for comfort, either. People often come to the beach to at least stick their toes in the water, if not take a dip. Please try not to barricade the path to the beach, preventing others from easily walking to the ocean.

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Oh, and this space issue? It applies to you sports people, too.

Want to throw a football? Play some corn hole? If the beach is super crowded, this activity may be best reserved for your actual backyard.

DO pick up your trash

Ronnie Wimmer, who was visiting the beach from Virginia, said it’s simple: “If you bring it, take it back with you.”

Picking up your trash was one of the most popular pieces of advice.

People do the same thing on the beaches, and pretty much everyone has had enough.

There are trash cans at many of the beaches, but people should remember to bring a grocery bag or trash bag with them to carry out anything they want to throw away.

More: As COVID fades, Americans are returning to beach towns. But restaurants and stores are struggling with shortages

DO NOT even think about feeding the seagulls

Whatever you call them – sky rats, flying rodents, snack stealers – seagulls are not your pets or your friends.

A group of young adults from Pittsburgh watched as people just downhill from them fed Goldfish crackers to the seagulls Thursday afternoon.

If parents do not keep their children from offering pieces of bread or cookies to seagulls, some beachgoers said they’ll be inclined to say something.

DO NOT smoke on the beach

If you smoke, please don’t do it on the beach.

In fact, most beaches from Lewes to Ocean City, Maryland, have banned smoking and/or vaping while on the beach except in designated smoking areas.

While we’re here, a related reminder: don’t leave your cigarette butts in the sand.

“Let’s face it, if you want to smoke there’s a couple smoking areas, there’s ashtrays, there’s garbage cans,” said Brenda Ryan, who was visiting the beach from Colorado. “Little kids pick up everything.”

More: A few summer vacation ideas for families: Park City, Orlando, Las Vegas

DO be mindful of where you shake out sand

Thinking of shaking out your sandy towel when I’m 4 feet downwind? How about you don’t.

Shaking out towels into a breeze or kicking sand onto others’ towels are sure ways to annoy your fellow beachgoers.

Pat Washeleski, a visitor from just outside Philadelphia, had been sitting on the beach since 9 a.m. and enjoying every minute. But just around 2 p.m., a group of teenagers got up from their spot a few feet away, and when they shook out their towel, sand went flying in her direction.

She laughed as she recalled the small nuisance.

“It’s just natural,” she said. “You pick a towel up or a blanket up and you just want to shake it out.”

But many agree: Think twice before shaking out any of your sand-coated belongings.

DO NOT play loud music

Bluetooth speakers are great for many things – dance parties in your kitchen, singing along out at the pool, chilling in the backyard.

But when you blare your music over everyone else, some beachgoers get a little cranky. And is it really their fault for wanting to hear the ocean waves while at the beach?

DO fill in any holes dug in the sand

Few things can put a damper on a beach trip like a twisted ankle.

If you want to dig holes, that’s great. Wonderful, we love to see creative moats around sandcastles and shallow ponds for kids to play in.

But, please, remember to fill them in when you’re finished.

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And do not dig holes that are too deep. Some beaches have written and unwritten rules about how deep a hole can be – a foot deep, up to the belly-button of the smallest child in your group, etc. – because deep holes can cave in and be seriously dangerous.

DO have fun!

It’s a cheesy rule, but you’re at the beach, right?

Sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation – whether it’s a few hours, a weekend or much longer.

And if you follow this beach etiquette or simply respect those around you, maybe this could just be your best summer yet.

Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at [email protected] or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.