Beach Etiquette
- Jul 15, 2016
- 4 min read
Summer is in FULL STEAM AHEAD and with that, the beaches everywhere are being bombarded for the season. As an avid beach goer, I find I would like to review some Beach Etiquette that should (as I believe) be followed when you visit the beach this summer. Aside from the obvious, don't leave your trash which I will address in a short while, the moment you step onto the sand you need to be aware of the hundreds of other people there with you. The number one thing that really Grinds My Gears is walking through the sand in your flip flops with no regard to the people you are SPRAYING with sand every time your flip flop flips. Not sure what I mean? Next time you are at the beach, get your legs wet and then take a walk through the sand with your flip flops on (away from people if possible) and then check the backs of your legs. Most likely, your covered in sand. Why? Because your flip flops are flinging sand up into the air and all around you. Now I don't think it's just me that prefers not getting sprayed by sand, especially if I have a drink or food in my hand. Now, now, don't think I'm a sand hater, obviously if I didn't like sand I wouldn't go to the beach, HOWEVER, when I'm sitting or laying comfortably and someone comes strolling by and strikes me with sand, I'm not happy. Along with this rant, of course, sand can get HOT HOT HOT so you need to wear your shoes, I get it. Just keep in mind as your walking through the beach goers, to change your stride, pay attention to how much flipping your flip flops are doing.
A second item that really gets me but not nearly as much as flip flop sand spraying, is proximity to others. Beaches get packed, there is only so much space, I know how it goes BUT you should never feel it necessary to sit so close to others that they can't lay their towel out or extend the chair their chair back fully. Sound unbelievable to you? Don't think people actually do this? It has happened on numerous occasions to me. There is NEVER any reason that you need to sit so close that someone can't extend their chair back, or lay on their towel. It's called personal space and I'm a huge advocate for it. Feel free to disagree with me, but I'm pretty sure if you experience this phenomenon, you'll join me in this rant.
Okay, so silly flip flops and personal space rant over, I won't get into how to properly secure your umbrella so that you don't spear someone through the chest when the wind picks up, but, dig a hole first people, deep, and then stand the umbrella up. Takes all of under 5 minutes.
Now, for what actually concerns and disgusts me. TRASH!
Please, please, please, PLEASE, when you go to the beach (or anywhere outside) bring your garbage to the trash cans when you leave. I just don't understand how people can, in good conscience, walk away from a spot and leave behind cups and bottles and wrappers. You will undoubtedly pass by AT LEAST one or two garbage cans on your way out, so just take your trash with you to them. If you are able to lug all your beach equipment out, you can take your garbage too. If you bring it in, bring it out. It's very simple! I feel like a lot of the people that leave their garbage either one, give zero care towards the environment, or two, believe the beach workers will be by to clean it up for them. Ignoring the former and moving to the next, yes, most beaches have staff that do garbage pick ups and clean ups, but this is no excuse to leave your garbage. Think of it this way; you leave your pile of trash with the belief someone is getting paid to pick it up, but then a storm sets in, the tide comes up and all your trash is now in the water...don't think that's a big deal? The ocean's so big, our little pile of garbage won't affect it? Ever hear of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
I'll briefly explain. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is, a tremendous patch of garbage floating in the Pacific Ocean that is LARGER than the state of Texas. How did this all gather here? The ocean has currents that flow through it, circulating water around the globe and there are areas where currents converge. In this particular area, the winds and currents form Gyres, which are circular water currents. The trash that is polluted into our oceans, flow with the oceans currents and when it reaches the gyre, it gets sucked into the center where the water is calm,stable, with little movement a lack of escape. This is a space where all our pollution is gathering, polluting and contaminating our oceans and everything that lives within it.
Keep this in mind next time you go to the beach. Remember to take out what you bring in, and that it shouldn't be the responsibility of the beach workers to clean up after you. Find the garbage pails that are scattered all around, and walk carefully in your flip flops.
Rant Complete.
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