Beach Etiquette

By Beth Hanning

I should have had this column last week, but I was quite busy with the fabulous Memorial Day Weekend weather and missed my deadline! And I am sure with beach closures and ferry visitors, space will be a hot commodity.

Here is my annual beach etiquette column and it is for all of our new residents and our visitors that were pouring off of the ferry last week. One loyal reader a few years ago said Kevin should place my column as one of the photos on the boardwalk, and I forgot to tell my new bosses! And these rules are not just for the actual beach, but the peninsula in general.

Rule 1: When you get to the beach and there is a lot of space, please do not sit directly on top of people already at the beach. I never understand why someone who has never seen me or met me before wants to sit so close to me. Don’t you want your own space as well?

1b: This also goes to setting up a huge crew directly in front of someone. Many times, the residents know that the tide will be coming in as the day goes on and you sitting directly in front of them is both blocking their view and now creates a problem when you have to move when the tide comes up the beach. I truly think this rule will be broken as the beaches close to the ferry are so small from boardwalk to shore and many beaches are closed.

Rule 2: I love music. Our group often has a radio on the beach. However, when your music is so loud that the entire beach cannot even hear their conversation, that is rude.

2b: This noise rule also applies to vulgar language. Rockaway is a family-oriented beach, so please respect that families with children are surrounding you.

Rule 3: Clean up after yourself. This was said in Robert Fulghum’s book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” One of the things he listed 25 years ago was: clean up your own mess. This is not beach etiquette; it is etiquette in general. This is especially true for Beach Channel Drive around the ferry.  Please do not clean out your beach bag onto Beach Channel Drive. Also, if you know your teenagers are heading to the beach (day or night), send them with a garbage bag.

Rule 4: Dress appropriately. Shirts and pants are not optional. I do not want to see your butt cheeks, ladies!

Please understand that I am not against non-residents of Rockaway enjoying our beaches, and our local establishments, I just think that if they knew the rules, it would be a bit better. I have a few more rules and they will be out next week. Have a great week everyone. Of course, if I missed a rule, let me know so I can include it in next week’s column: email me at mrshanning308@gmail.com. P.S. Thank you for all of your support since I have returned. Have a great weekend!