Beach etiquette: Do's and don'ts at the Delaware beaches this summer

We can all benefit from following the golden rule, even on the beach.

The Delaware beaches are a place to play and relax, but even on vacation, being considerate of others is important. Everyone has the same right to enjoy the sand and surf. A little civility assures the experience is pleasurable for all.

Some things might not be obvious. Who doesn't enjoy a game of catch on the beach? Well, the person getting hit by the ball. About to shake out your towel? Wait! Who's downwind and not asking for a sand shower? But we can't believe we have to tell people, in 2024, to Stay. Off. The. Dunes.

Check out these etiquette tips to ensure you'll be courteous and considerate at the Delaware beaches this summer.

Follow the rules

When it comes to being courteous on the beach, simply being aware of your chosen beach's rules and regulations can go a long way. Here's where to find them.

• Lewes, ci.lewes.de.us

• Rehoboth Beach, cityofrehobothbeach.com

• Dewey Beach, townofdeweybeach.com

• Bethany Beach, townofbethanybeach.com

• South Bethany, southbethany.delaware.gov

• Fenwick Island, fenwickisland.delaware.gov

Keep music at a reasonable volume

Most beach towns don't have laws on the books related to music or noise on the beach specifically, but the right thing to do is obvious. No matter how much you want to share your love for Slayer, it's discourteous to subject other beachgoers to any music above a reasonable level.

Whenever possible, set up a good distance from other beachgoers

Don't be that guy that parks right next to the only other person on the beach. At the same time, when the beach is packed, don't be surprised when someone rolls their towel out right next to you.

Consolidate your space to leave room for others

You've heard of manspreading, but have you heard of beachspreading? We'll see if that term catches on (probably not), but when you can't set up a good distance from other beachgoers, don't hoard all sand.

Secure umbrellas

Clearly, no one desires to be impaled by a rogue umbrella. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends planting your umbrella deep in the sand, using an anchor and tilting it slightly into the wind to prevent it from dislodging.

Check your preferred beach town's rules for umbrellas, too — some of them have width and pole maximums.

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Don't block the view with a tent

The desire to use tents on the beach is understandable, but it's trumped by the rights of other beachgoers. Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach do not allow them, with the exception of baby tents, and Fenwick Island has size maximums.

If your chosen beach does allow them, the courteous thing to do is set up at the back of the beach so you don't block the views of others.

Don't play ball

If the beach is crowded, save the football passing for later. Thought having your view blocked by a tent was bad? Try getting Marsha Brady-ed while you're trying to get a tan.

Don't smoke

Besides being discourteous to others' lungs, smoking will get you fined on most Delaware beaches. Some towns, like Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, have designated smoking areas.

In most cases, don't bring your dog

Check the rules for the beach you're visiting, but dogs are not allowed on most beaches during the summertime, including in Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island. Lewes allows leashed dogs before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m. and Dewey before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.

If you're on a beach that does allow dogs, keep them leashed, well-hydrated and within access of shade.

Don't feed the seagulls

Give one a French fry, they all want a French fry — and trust me, they ALL will come. They'll squawk and squawk and edge closer and closer. They'll poop all over the place. They won't leave when the fries are gone. They'll really annoy your neighbors. You will be on the receiving end of their anger, and rightfully so.

Minimize sand-flinging

Who hasn't been on the receiving end of someone absentmindedly shaking out their beach towel? It's the worst. Take note of the wind and the people around you first.

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Be responsible for your trash

Littering will garner you a fine and the great ire of your fellow beachgoers. Most towns have trash cans on the beach, but by the end of the day (many times well before that) they are overflowing. A smart move is to bring a trash bag and take your trash with you.

Stay off the dunes

Use designated dune crossings only. The delicate ecosystems they contain and the owners of the multitudes of property they protect (which include you, the taxpayer) will thank you.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Etiquette tips to know at the Delaware beaches this summer