Bfth's Beach Etiquette 101

Who doesn't love the beach?  Ok, I'm sure there is someone out there who doesn't. And thank goodness for that because if we all loved the beach it would be even a bigger mess than it is now.

What we ALL need to do, whether you love the beach or not, is respect it, as well as respect those around you who are enjoying in.  In that spirit, I give you Bfth's Beach Rules and Regulations:

• No matter what size or shape you are, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, as long as it covers those parts of you that really shouldn't be seen in public. (Unless you are visiting a nude beach, in which case I say, go free, enjoy and don't forget extra suntan lotion).  Mankinis are not cool, nor is any kind of butt floss.  If you're a zillionaire and at your own private beach where no one else is going, then its ok.  Otherwise...please no.  With that said, I meant what I stated before...wear what you are comfortable in.  And everyone, remember that.  We are not on the beach to judge, we are on the beach to enjoy what it has to offer.  I'm tired of reading about body shamers on the internet...didn't your momma tell you that if you can't say anything nice, then just keep your big trap shut?  Or, not to get too moral (but I guess I am), as it says in Matthew 7:  “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you"  
• What manage to drag with you to the beach should also be brought home.  Everyone needs something to eat and drink now and then.  If you're going to bring it; take your left overs home.  I'm not going to judge you for drinking beer on the beach; I'm going to judge you on the cans that you left behind.  (Yes, now I am judging!)  Nothing ruins a walk on the beach than the remains of fireworks, left over beer and/or soda cans, etc. Most public beaches that I've been to have garbage cans (and even recycling cans) at the beach entrance.  Please use them.  As the old 1970s commercial with the crying Native American (who, as it turns out, was NOT Native American, but that's a whole other story) said, "Keep American beautiful."  

• Respect the creatures that live there.  That incredibly cool horseshoe crab that you found SHOULD NOT be picked up by its tail (even though you may have been taught differently.)  Don't feed the gulls; they can (and fill) find their own food.  (It can be interesting to watch the fight between bird and crab...nature can surprise you!)  Catching fish or crabs, that too means showing respect.  Both should be the proper weight and/or length if they are going to be kept and consumed.  There ARE regulations about these things; do your research and know your stuff beforehand.

• The beach may be crowded, but please try to be aware of other's personal space.  At the height of the summer season, I know it can be difficult, but we all need a little space for ourselves.  Adults and children alike should try to respect other's property, and that's not just beach chairs, towels, etc.  It includes sand creations.  No matter what the age, 2 or 22, someone put a lot of effort into that castle, fort, maze, giant hole, etc.  Please try and be respectful of it.  If you do happen to overstep your bounds, apologize.  What may look like a sand blob to you, might have taken someone else hours to construct.

• In the same vein, kids sometimes tend to get a little overzealous on the beach.  Sand does get flung.  Most of the time it's not intentional.  No yelling at someone else's kid; instead try to talk (calmly) to the parent or supervising adult.  Be nice...you'll get better results that way.

• Please pay attention to the posted rules of the beach.  Lifeguards are there for a reason.  Those flags that they put up (in most cases) are there for your safety.  If there is a red flag, don't whine that you can't go in, be glad that someone is looking out for you.  If a yellow flag is up, utilize caution.  Green may mean go, but stay in the area that they guards direct you.  They are there to look out for you; don't make it more difficult.  You very well may regret it if you do.

Summer is quickly coming to an end. If you're going to be spending some time at the beach before the cool weather settles in, take heed from the above etiquette "suggestions."  You and others may just well enjoy your visit more!