Beach Ettiquitte

We finally made it to the beach in New Jersey!  Up until the other day I have been to the beach in Texas more than at home!  Unfortunately, our beach day was spoiled by a couple of unruly children. I don’t know what happens when some arrive at the beach, did they leave their manners at home?  This rant is not specifically about children it is about the adults, after all we are the ones that are supposed to know better!  For those not familiar with our beaches in south Jersey, while Wildwood proper has huge beaches, North Wildwood and Cape May are not as fortunate and suffer from harsh beach erosion.  My beach of choice is North Wildwood.  First, let’s talk about your walk to the beach, please stay off the dunes. Do not walk on them or set up on them as your spot.  The dunes are critical for helping maintain the beach.  When you disturb them you weaken them and destroy dune grasses.  Next, I know there is limited space on the beach but when you get there early or the beach is not that crowded, leave some space between you and the other beach goers.  And if it is a crowded day and we need to squeeze together keep yourself off your neighbors items.  Last year there was a woman behind us that keep putting her feet all over my daughter’s towel that she was laying on.  It might not have been so bad but you saw her laying there when you set up and were putting your feet near her face as she slept.  She woke up with sand on her towel and in her face and hair.  There were two of us in chairs that were next to her that you could have put your feet near and all would have been good.  Next, if you are bringing small children to the beach, think about where they will want to be.  Some children love the water, try to sit closer to the water as they will most likely be running back and forth between your area and the water. This will mimimize how many other beach goers they disturb on their route.  If they are still unsure about the water, sit towards the back of the beach where they can play in the sand away from others.  If it is crowded and you need to sit closer to others, position the dig site towards the middle of your space to prevent sand from going on your neighbors and their items.  Kids are kids and should be encouraged to enjoy the beach, it is up to us as parents to teach them to be respectful of those around us.  Finally, make sure your clean up your space when you leave.  Take your trash with you and fill in any excavation pits. Thank you for listening to my rant.  I just want everyone to be able to enjoy the beach and not have someone ruin your day.  What is your pet peeve about beach days?  Let me know in the comments.