Beach etiquette and rules every visitor should know

By Melanie Nonmacher

Howdy and welcome to our beloved island city, Galveston! One of the most cherished destinations on our charming island has to be our beaches. They are the heart and soul of Galveston, a place where we gather to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy the bounty of the Gulf Coast. But, like any shared space, there are some unwritten rules and bits of etiquette that we, locals and visitors alike, should adhere to. These are not just to keep our beaches clean and safe, but to ensure that everyone has a good time.

First and foremost, let's talk about trash. Our beaches are not just our pride and joy, they are home to many creatures and part of a delicate ecosystem. Therefore, it's essential to clean up after oneself. Whether it's your picnic leftovers, plastic bottles, or even cigarette butts, please ensure everything you bring with you leaves with you. Many of our beaches have trash cans available, so there's no excuse not to use them.

Next comes the biggie: respect for personal space. We all love the beach but remember, it's a public space. So, let's be mindful of others. This means not setting up your beach umbrella or pitching your tent too close to your neighbors. A good rule of thumb is to keep a distance of about 15 feet. Also, when you're playing beach games like frisbee or volleyball, ensure you're far enough from others so that wayward balls or frisbees don't interrupt their relaxation.

Animals are a wonderful part of our island life, and many of us like to bring our furry friends to the beach. While pets are welcome on most Galveston beaches, they must be leashed. This is not just for the safety of others, but for your pet's safety too. And, just like with humans, any messes they make must be cleaned up immediately.

Lastly, let's touch on the topic of noise. Nothing beats the soothing sound of waves rolling in or the soft chirping of shorebirds. It's part of the beach's charm and one of the reasons we all love it. But if you're playing music, ensure it's at a volume that won't disturb others. And if you've got kids, remind them that while it's fine to have fun, they should be mindful not to scream or shout excessively.

Adhering to beach etiquette is not just about following rules. It's about respect for our beautiful island, for the amazing natural resource that we have in our beaches, and most importantly, for each other. So next time you're heading down to one of our glorious Galveston beaches, keep these tips in mind. And remember, whether you're a local or a visitor, we're all here to enjoy the beach. Let's do our part to keep Galveston's beaches beautiful for everyone.

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