We spoke to two experts from SC & NJ about beach etiquette. Here’s what they said
The busy season is about to get underway in the Myrtle Beach area.
As Memorial Day gets closer and more people start to plan their annual summer trips to the beach, we spoke with two experts, one from New Jersey and one from South Carolina, about what the best beach manners might look like.
Temple-Jene Fleming is the President and Founder of Class-E Etiquette in New Jersey. She said beach manners are about being mindful of those around you, particularly when laying down a beach towel or blanket or playing music out loud.
“I know that there are some beaches, particularly here in New Jersey, that are really not even allowing music to be played on the beach anymore because people were not being mindful of the others next to them,” Fleming said.
The Grand Strand’s beach regulations don’t seem to have any specific legislation about playing music out loud at the beach.
Like Fleming, Charleston School of Protocol & Etiquette’s Cindy Grosso, said that the beach is all about being mindful towards others and having a relaxing day. That’s why being cognizant and respectful is important.
“It’s not your own private beach,” Grosso said. “Even though you may be seated at an area that you may have your towel and all, you’re still in a public space.”
Both experts also agreed that another important beach manner is keeping the area clean if you do decide to bring food with you.
“We want to make sure that we don’t litter the beach,” Fleming said. “We want to try to keep it as clean and safe as possible for everybody.”
For the Myrtle Beach area specifically, Grosso said that people who are staying in a place that has private beach access to remember to rinse off sand before entering the pools on the property. Otherwise, sand could end up in the swimming pools.
Both Grosso and Fleming said to be careful not to accidentally kick sand up at other people when walking in flip flops on the beach near others or shaking out sandy beach blankets.
The reason beach manners are important, Grosso said, is to help keep the beach peaceful and relaxing for all who visit.
“Everybody wants to go and have a good time and allow others to have a good time,” she said.
