Richmond Proper: On beach etiquette

If we had to to sum up beach etiquette in one phrase, that phrase would probably be “avoid spraying others with sand.” But since we’re in high beach season and many Richmonders are loading up their cars for the Outer Banks, we shall go into a little more detail.

August 10, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Tess Shebaylo

If we had to to sum up beach etiquette in one phrase, that phrase would probably be “avoid spraying others with sand.” But since we’re in high beach season and many Richmonders are loading up their cars for the Outer Banks, we shall go into a little more detail.

Stake a place respectfully.
“We remind you that the beach is not Oklahoma Territory in the 1870’s; if the beach is crowded, you may not attempt to spread your stuff out over as much space as possible. Conversely, if the beach is not crowded, you should leave a good distance between your blanket and that of your nearest neighbors,” says etiquettegrrls.com. What’s a “good distance?” Trent Armstrong (the Modern Manners Guy) puts it this way: “Many beaches are pretty big, which can allow you to keep a comfortable distance from others. And don’t make this distance just what is comfortable for you. Put yourself in the other party’s flip-flops and consider what they might think is a comfortable distance. Should you get to the beach a little later in the day and have missed the prime spots, do not just set up right in front of someone who planned well enough to get to the beach early for that top notch real estate. You should just plan better next time.”

Don’t feed the birds.
I know, I know. “Tuppence a bag!” Though feeding the birds is all well and good for a city square in Londontown, but it drives everyone crazy at the beach. “It may be exciting for your children, but seagulls are vulture-like birds at the beach. Feeding them will only keep them hovering. It is very important to keep your food covered and do not feed the seagulls. If you wish to feed birds, please wait until the nearest park or desired allowed place to do so,” says Trent Armstrong.

Don’t fling sand on people.
The quickest way to ruin the beach for everyone else is to spread sand everywhere you go. I call people who do this sandvangelists. Walking with flip-flops spraying sand everywhere, letting kids run to close to sunbathers, and shaking out sandy blankets will get you branded as the most notorious sandvangelist around.

Watch your volume.
Certainly the beach is not a library, but keeping it down to a dull roar makes it a more pleasant experience. Says Trent Armstrong: “For those of us trying to enjoy the peace and tranquility, it should be understood that folks get excited while at the beach and therefore will generate a little more noise than usual; however, you should always keep a check on your own sound levels to ensure they are not disturbing anyone else around.”

Clean up after yourself.
“There is nothing more vile than to Settle In for a tranquil day on a gorgeous beach, only to find, as you dig your perfectly manicured toes into the sand, that you are sitting in a Veritable Garbage Pit…. Please bring a wee plastic bag with you and properly dispose of your refuse,” reminds etiquettegrrls.com.

Obey safety advisories.
When lifeguards put red flags out to warn beach-goers of unsafe water conditions, don’t swim. The lifeguards do not need to spend their time putting an end to your drunk attempts to show off, when they can be saving people who actually need saving. Yes, those warnings do apply to everyone.

Pay attention to local regulations.
Some beaches have their own particular etiquette guidelines. For example, some beaches allow nudity, and some beaches have rules against harvesting seashells. As always, venue is of the utmost importance.

Have an etiquette question and need some advice?  Email tess@rvanews.com.

August 10, 2010 6:00 AM 8