Wherever you are enjoying the summer sun and waves, having the essentials handy and exercising a few smart etiquette rules will ensure a safe, courteous, and relaxed experience for everyone. Here are a few summer water etiquette tips to make your warm weather adventures go smoothly:
Your beachbag should be practical and useful for a day in the sun and sand. A thoughtfully curated beach bag has:
- Sunscreen – for yourself and your pets (plan ahead because you can’t use human sunscreen on your pup’s nose). Lotion is preferred over spray so you can avoid the waft of spray onto someone else. There are also lip balms with sunscreen for warmer days and after-sun mists to soothe.
- Insulated Water Bottle – hydration is a must, and when you bring a reusable, refillable bottle, you cut down on waste. Libations are great, but don’t forget to hydrate with H2O.
- Grab and Go Snacks – fruit travels well and is the perfect pick-me-up when you aren’t ready for a meal but need an energy boost.
- Large Trash Bag – to keep all of your waste contained to take and toss at the end of the day.
- High-quality Beach Towel – A recent favorite is from Ruby Mint. Use my link and the coupon code DIANEGOTTSMAN, and you will get 20% off. As an ambassador, I earn a 15% commission when you make a purchase through my code. Thank you for supporting my blog and the brands I believe in.
- Mini Fan or Mister – you will need it in the hot sun, even under a shaded umbrella if you are so lucky to get one.
- Inexpensive Sunglasses – why risk losing or breaking your favorite pair of shades?
- Light Cover-up – thick shorts feel heavy on a walk on the beach – opt for a lightweight cover-up to keep you comfortable for a stroll through the hotel lobby.
- Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes – before eating snacks or changing the baby’s diaper.
- Crushable Hat and Hair Tie – pack a hat you can easily fold in your beach bag. If you have long hair, bring a scrunchie to keep it out of your face.
- Waterproof Phone Pouch – to keep your phone easily accessible and free from damage.
- Mini First Aid Kit – especially with toddlers in tow, it never hurts to have Neosporin and band-aids available.
- Summer Reading – you may finally have time to get through the latest book on your list.
Remember to check weather and water advisories and know your beach safety flags. Exercise caution and follow the day’s recommendations.
Don’t forget to pack for your pet – here are some handy tips for your furry friend:
- Check beach rules before showing up to a no pets allowed beach
- Confirm vaccines are up-to-date
- Waste bags are not optional
- Pack fresh water and a collapsible bowl
- Dog-safe sunscreen for light colored and short-haired dogs – their nose
- Non-squeaky toys
- Rinse off the sand and salt water from their paws
- Check paws for cuts, damage from shells
Beach Etiquette Q&A:
Q: Can I play my music on the beach, and how close is too close for others to be bothered?
A: Portable speakers are a great way to enjoy your tunes, but keep in mind other people beside you. Leave at least 10 to 15 feet between your setup and someone else’s.
Q: Last year, we were enjoying a vacation at the beach, and a family with 4 kids running around kicked up sand all over our group. My husband spoke to them politely, which turned into a heated argument. What are the rules?
A: You can ask politely, but be prepared because you never know how people react. Dogs and children are very dear to their owners, and it’s all of our jobs to watch our kids/pets to make it beach-friendly for everyone.
Q: Should I pick up trash that isn’t mine?
A: Yes, if it’s blowing into your space, or simply because you are a good Samaritan, doing what you can. Keeping the beach clean is an act of goodwill.
Enjoy the last bit of summer before the back-to-school excitement kicks in. I’d love to hear what you pack for your getaway! Tag me @dianegottsman and The Protocol School of Texas on socials.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
The post Fun in the Sun Etiquette and What to Pack in Your Beach Bag appeared first on Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority.
