"Beach Etiquette" - Being a good beach citizen

For those of us who are lucky enough to live near a beach or visit a beach regularly we have come to know the great time you can have in the surf, sun and sand. Over time you build up the knack to know what is good etiquette and what is not. 

Living on the beautiful Central Coast we often see an influx of visitors from all over the globe in Summer. It's wonderful to have so many tourists visit and the injection of the almighty dollar to the region, so I certainly don't take issue with that. In  fact I love hearing all the different accents and seeing all the various people come and go. But when booking accommodation in any region that has a beach the simple steps below should be shared. 

A sunny day will attract a crowd

1. Give us some space - When you have lots of options of where to set up your family for the day, take a moment to look around. See where people are already set up and give some space between you and them. I know that some days you are lucky to get even a small piece of turf to call home for the day. But when there are lots of options don't park yourself in the shade of someone else's bit of paradise.
2. Prepare your children (that are old enough to understand)- Explain to them that when they walk or run on sand, they will inevitably kick up sand and need to allow enough space between the others enjoying the beach. This will prevent others being covered in sand as you have turned your back and they have managed to kick sand over every person between you and the waters edge. By all means let them be excited about racing to the waters edge, just allow a wide berth. 
3. Take a deep breath before you put up your beach tent/gazebo - There is nothing more toxic than mixing stressed out couples/families with heat and beach tent that clearly won't cooperate. We all know its frustrating, but yelling and having a huge argument is actually not going to get it set up any quicker........I know.....shocking news. You are there to enjoy yourself, besides you still have to pull the thing down at the end of the day when you are tired, sunburned and hungry. Save some fight for that.
4. Swim between the flags - A very common and important rule at patrolled beaches, but don't swim outside the flags then rouse on the surfers and body boarding locals for have a near miss with your little precious Johnny or you. 
5. Ball games are not for crowded areas - I love nothing more than a hit of cricket, a kick of a soccer ball or some volleyball at the beach. Its really a great way to spend time with family and friends, but when the beach is crowded, you need to be considerate. Your 1m x 1m patch of turf is not really enough to show off your skills like Ronaldo without kicking the ball (along with sand) into others. 
6. Yes we are outdoors but smoke still travels - The laws are changing to start to protect those who choose not to smoke. I have no issues in providing smokers the option to smoke in the outdoors should they wish, but when you are close (see step number 1) I don't appreciate your second hand smoke.
7. Your boobs are fabulous but we don't need to see them - Before you decide to get your flawless, tan without lines, have a look around to see who might also be enjoying the beach. It might be acceptable in some locations and cultures, but Aussie beaches generally are inhabited by families, so cover up or pay the money for a spray tan. (P.S. I am sure there are many blokes who may disagree with this step). 
8. Language please - For same reason as above, if you are not educated enough to use anything other than swear words to have a conversation, then keep your voice down. Those words may be acceptable in your world, but might not be for the families of younger children around you. Side note for teenagers: It does not make you cool to swear really loudly with your friends (you're welcome).
9. Watch where you walk - Stepping on other's belongings as you make your way to the shop for your ice cream is not OK. The countless times that I've observed people knowingly stepping on towels and beach toys is crazy. Not to mention the great castles and creations that toddlers have made (and clearly still playing with) that have been destroyed by a careless adult or teen. 
10. Secure your items - If there is a breeze at the beach its inevitable that items that are not secured might blow around. In particular beach umbrellas. I know that it sucks to get sand all on your hands and up your nails but dig a deep and narrow hole in which to place your umbrella. If you have kids get them to do it, they have the perfect size hands for the job. If not just suck it up and do it yourself, and you can wash your hands when your done. Our family have been victims of the flying umbrella on more than one occasion at the beach. 
11. The beach is not a garbage tip - At the end of the day there are not cleaners who sweep the beach like they do in cinemas and stadiums, so take your rubbish with you. Don't bury it or leave it behind for it to affect wildlife or for other people to step on later. Better still, be prepared and bring a bag or two for the inevitable rubbish that you will create while you are there that you can then drop into a bin on your way out. 

I love the beach, and so do many others, so by simply being considerate while you are there will make it enjoyable for everyone. 

Public service announcement over. Enjoy your summer!