Beach etiquette: 9 tips for your fun trip

MANILA, Philippines – The beach is the go-to destination for families and barkadas looking to swap daily traffic and cityscapes for sand between their toes and the ocean breeze.

Before you book those bus tickets and pack your bikinis, here are some helpful etiquette tips you should keep in mind so we keep the seaside the haven that it is.

1. Don’t smoke on the beach.

The sand, while tempting, is not your personal ashtray. Cigarette butts and ash on the sand make it unsightly. It’s a nasty habit and if you should do it, better to keep to designated smoking areas where there are ashtrays so you could dispose of your cigarette butts properly.

2. Avoid plastic, use reusables for storage.

To keep your littering to the minimum, avoid disposable plastic containers altogether. When packing your snacks, transfer chips to more durable canisters and containers. The best part is these containers aren’t bloated with air so you can save more room in your bag. Same goes for drinks and water. Keep them in flasks or tumblers. These are easily refillable and keep your drink cold too! Nalgene has BPA-free wide-mouth containers that are great for juice and water without the icky after-taste if you decide to switch drinks. One liter bottles go for roughly P550 ($12).

3. Eat in designated areas.

Most resorts have designated huts or areas where you can eat. They usually have tables and chairs so you can eat comfortably. Some aren’t strict when enforcing these policies and would allow guests to have their meals by the beach. If you choose to do so…

4. Don’t forget to bring a trash bag.

A trash bag to collect your trash after you eat is important. You should have this on your checklist while packing! Trash bags are also useful for the road trip back home so you can dispose of whatever you’re snacking on along the way.

5. Pick up after your pets and after other people too!

Some beaches are generous enough to allow pets. If you’re bringing your four-legged friend to the beach, make sure you have a poop scooper ready. While it’s easy for them to bury it under the sand, other beach goers won’t appreciate the surprise your beloved Fifi left behind.

6. Don’t take home corals, shells.

As much as we would all love to take home a piece of the beach with us, it’s wise to leave the corals and shells you spot on the beach. These things are better remembered on your Instagram instead of sitting in your living room. 

7. Taking a dip? Use ocean-friendly sunscreen!

Did you know the sunscreen you use might harm coral reefs? Some chemicals found in your sunscreen have been found to bleach and damage reefs. Human Nature has SAFEBLOCK at P500 ($11). It boasts up to 93% protection from UVB rays and has sea-safe ingredients.

8. Join clean-up initiatives!

Why not hit two birds with one stone? There are lots of beach clean-up initiatives during the summer season for you to join with your friends. Nestea, for example, had its annual Laboracay beach clean-up. Before hitting the beach of your choice, check to see if they have volunteer opportunities. The Boracay Foundation, for example, has a lot of activities you can take part in like coral reef replanting.

9. Follow the Golden Rule!

Remember that the beach is a shared space. Be conscious of other beach goers. Keep your gear in your area and respect personal space! You may like your EDM but the person next to you might be trying to read. Keep your music at a decent level especially when there are others around you who may want to have a conversation.

If you’re going to play a volleyball game, try to avoid areas where a family might be trying to get some sun or where kids are playing in the sand. If your kids are digging holes, make sure to cover them up afterwards. You don’t want anyone tripping over them. Remember to leave the beach just as (or better) than you found it!

These are just simple tips you can keep in mind to make sure everyone has a fun time by the ocean and so that others can enjoy it, too! – Rappler.com

$1 = P44.59