Beach Etiquette
Beach Etiquette: Keeping the Shoreline Safe & Enjoyable
Filling Holes: If you dig a hole in the sand, be sure to fill it back in before you leave. Unfilled holes can be hazardous to beachgoers, especially children, and can also be dangerous for nesting turtles that might fall into them.
No Live Shelling: It’s tempting to collect shells, starfish, and sand dollars as souvenirs, but if they’re alive, they belong in the ocean. Live shelling can disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and reduce the population of these beautiful creatures. If you find a living starfish, sand dollar, or any critter in a shell, leave it in its natural habitat so future generations can enjoy them too.
Leave No Trace: Always pick up after yourself. This includes food wrappers, bottles, and even cigarette butts. These small pieces of trash can be harmful to marine life, especially plastic, which often ends up in the ocean, causing long-term environmental damage.
Respect Wildlife: The beach is home to many creatures, from birds to crabs to nesting turtles. Keep a respectful distance, avoid feeding them, and never disturb their habitats. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural behaviors and may make them dependent on humans.
Mind the Dunes: Sand dunes are crucial for protecting inland areas from storm surges and erosion. Stick to designated paths. Walking on dunes can damage the vegetation that holds them together, leading to increased erosion.
Keep Noise Levels Down: The beach is a place for everyone to enjoy, so be mindful of your noise levels. Loud music or shouting can disturb both other beachgoers and the wildlife that inhabits the area.
Don’t Disturb the Tide Pools: Tide pools are delicate ecosystems teeming with life. Avoid picking up or moving animals and plants, as this can harm the organisms that live there. Tide pools are best observed, not disturbed.
Use Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: Chemicals in some sunscreens can be harmful to marine life, especially coral reefs. Opt for eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreens to protect both your skin and the ocean.
Avoid Feeding the Seagulls: While it might seem harmless, feeding seagulls can lead to aggressive behavior and disrupt their natural foraging habits. It also encourages them to congregate in large numbers, which can become a nuisance for other beachgoers.
Properly Dispose of Fishing Gear: If you’re fishing, make sure to properly dispose of any fishing line, hooks, and bait. Leftover gear can entangle marine life and cause serious injury or death to birds, fish, and other creatures.
Respect Other Beachgoers' Space: Everyone comes to the beach to relax and enjoy themselves. Be mindful of where you set up your spot, giving others plenty of space. Avoid playing games or setting up tents too close to other groups, and always ask before joining in on someone else's activities.
