August 16th, 2009
Beach Etiquette…It’s never too late to freshen up on the Rules of Proper Behavior at my Beaches
The summer season is coming to an end, but we are still going to enjoy the beautiful month of September here at my beaches, and those Indian summer days. Therefore, a refresher course of proper behavior at my beaches is never wasted.
Dress appropriately for the type of beach you are going to visit. Some beaches are more family oriented than others.
You might like your partner a lot, but some of those public displays of affection should be left for another time and place.
Mind your manners. For example, watch your language. No one wants to hear bad language. No excuse for that. And avoid pointing and laughing at others. Not everyone is a swimsuit model.
Don’t take too much space. Everyone wants to have beach boundaries.
Use headphones for your music.
If you are renting beach umbrellas, chairs, etc., please tip the rental staff. That is how they make their summer money.
Watch out when you are shaking your towel. Just step away and downwind from others so you will not sandblast your neighbor.
Clean after yourself, please.
You do have a right to smoke, but just check who is sitting next to you, and have some consideration. I am thanking you for that.
Use the facilities designated for that purpose like bathrooms. The boardwalk, sand and water are not designated as restrooms.
And, yes, let’s talk about those beach umbrellas. Just anchor the umbrella by moving it back and forth until well secured. They are definitely a missile on a windy day.
After this is all said and done, really, beach etiquette is nothing more than common sense.
Writing about the beach today has reminded me that it has been a beautiful week-end and with no rain forecasted, it would be great to cook outdoors and enjoy a relaxing evening.
With that in mind, I though you could pair your grilled meats with the following side dish:
Caribbean Baked Beans
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple in unsweetened juice
1/2 cup tomato base barbecue sauce
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsps. lime juice
1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
2 tsps. dry mustard
whole green onions
Rinse and drain beans; drain pineapple
In a 1 to 1 1/2 quart shallow casserole, mix beans, pineapple, barbecue sauce, chopped onions, sugar, lime juice, ginger and mustard. If making ahead, cover and chill up to 2 days.
Baked bean mixture, uncovered, in a 375 degree oven until bubbling in center, about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Trim the ends of the whole green onions, chop them and use to garnish beans.
Makes 6 servings
Note: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled. Cooking time will be a little longer. You may substitute the brown sugar for a brown sugar replacement.
Don’t be surprised if people ask you for the recipe. It is just a variation of the usual baked beans and it is good.
Tags: Bethany Beach, Delaware Beaches, Dewey Beach, Fenwick Island, Lewes, Ocean City, Recipes, rehoboth beach
Great beach etiquette rules. Wish we could put them on a banner plane and fly them up and down the beach especially the bad language one !
Great thoughts about manners on our beautiful beaches. Could we include not smoking? Cigarettes and cigars are a major annoyance as well as a health risk. The beaches are not ashtrays either. Love the blog, keep up the good work.
Great suggestion. I will add it to the blog.
I think people forget that we are all sharing the space and are lucky to have it. Thanks!!
Great tips! The one about the beach stand personnel is so true – my daughter works in Bethany and they work very hard and deserve those tips!
Hi Cathy: I thought that deserved to be put there because the beach stand personnel work very hard. There are long hours and it can get pretty hot on the beach. Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate it.
Liked the idea of making a banner for your well stated rules. Better yet – Let’s put them on billboards along the beach corridor!
Not a bad idea after all. Just like the manners banquets of years past, it is always good to have a reminder of proper behavior. Thanks for your comments.
Cindi and you had the same idea and it is a good one. Thanks for your comments.
Great blog….love the billboard idea Cindi!
Thanks so much Debbie. Your comments are much appreciated. Really.