Beach Etiquette 101

Sandals? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Manners? Manners? Yep, you read that right. It's important that we also bring our manners and remember to consider those around us when at the beach.

Here are 3 quick and oh-so-polite tips to help you and others maximize the beachtime enjoyment.

1. Enjoy your tunes but please keep them to yourself

I was at the beach last summer relaxing with a good read when a man sitting under a nearby beach umbrella turned on his boombox (yes, one of these relics!) and cranked up the volume so that all could hear his favorite rock tunes. His head was bobbing to the beat. He was clearly having a great time but I am not so sure those around him were impressed. He seemed oblivious though. Had he been thinking about the people nearby he might've considered some better alternatives: A) turn down the radio volume so that only he could hear it or B) listen to music using personal ear buds.

2. Um , . . . some space would be good

Unless the beach is packed with people and there's no place else to set up, please consider giving others some space. No one likes to feel like others are on top of them.

If there's no other option but to set up close to others, you might first inquire if your potential beachside neighbors would mind if you set up next to them. Most people will oblige and appreciate that you took the time to at least ask. Politeness can go a long way.

3. Keep It Clean

Ahh, the beauty of a beach - the soft sand, relaxing sounds of the water, sunshine, empty candy wrappers, wait, woah! It's no fun to step in trash left by others. So, please be kind to your fellow beach-goers and the environment and clean up your area before leaving.

Have a wonderful rest of your summer! Now, enjoy the beach and all that it has to offer - sun, fun and relaxation.

Your turn! In the comments below please share what most annoys you at the beach.