SANTA MONICA — One of the best parts of living or visiting Santa Monica is the easy access to a number of nearby beaches, but going to the beach can be frustrating and messy when beach-goers neglect beach etiquette. Here’s our guide to making the beach a more enjoyable place for everyone.
TAKING CARE OF THE BEACH
RESPECT EVERYONE
There a wide variety of people that go to the beach. From bikers to fishermen to sports teams, everyone comes out to enjoy the beautiful coastline of California. However, the variety of people and activities can sometimes create conflict on the beach. Understanding that things are going to happen and people aren’t going to be following the rules can make beach day less stressful when you learn to go with the flow. Just having common courtesy like not walking through people’s area can just make everyone’s day more enjoyable. The most important part of this is that bikers and skateboarders understand pedestrians always have the right away.
PICKING UP AFTER YOURSELF
The best part of the beach is being able to enjoy the sand between your toes and cooling off from the summer heat in the sweeping ocean breeze. The worst part is when you can’t enjoy those aspects of the beach because people neglect to clean up after themselves. Pick up the trash and mess you’ve made on the beach when you leave so you can enjoy the beach the next time you go.
LEASH YOUR DOG OR LEAVE HIM HOME
You love your dog. We understand. Who doesn’t love a dog? But unfortunately, there are a few people who do have a legitimate fear of dogs. Keeping your dog on a leash just keeps things safe for others and the dog even if you have the friendliest dog in the world, allowing you to reign him in when bikes and skateboards are flying past. Remember though, he can’t be on the beach but may enjoy it from a distance. He may enjoy the pier and boardwalk up close, but he is to remain out of the sand.
ENJOYING THE BEACH
TURN OFF YOUR PHONE
You don’t get many days away from the office or out with your family, but you do manage to spend every minute of every day on your phone. It’s time to just turn it off and leave it behind in your car. Put your phone down and focus on the present. Enjoy the time with your family on the beach by talking to them and having some fun. Trade the phone for a sports ball and play a pick up game with the people you love.
BRING A FITTED SHEET
It’s annoying trying to keep your blankets mostly free of sand and clearly marked so others don’t walk through the area you’ve claimed. Bring a fitted sheet and fit it around objects like your cooler and bags. It not only cuts down the sand being dragged into your area, but it also allows to people to clearly know they shouldn’t walk over that area.
LEAVE THE SUBSTANCES AT HOME
It’s illegal to have most substances on most beaches to begin with, and even if you have a disregard for rules, the beach really isn’t the place for it. Beaches are full of families and little kids. If you want to smoke weed and drink at home, that’s great, but a public beach is not the place for it. Your discarded joints and open bottles could fall into the wrong little hands when you aren’t paying attention. Save it for home.
