30/06/2025
Beach etiquette:
15 ways to make sure no one hates you at the Jersey Shore
Brigantine & New Jersey has have some of best beaches in the world. We all know this. But it doesn’t matter how great a beach is if the people at the beaches don’t know how to act once they get there. Whether you call them bennies, shoobies or day-trippers, we’ve all had an otherwise beautiful day down the shore ruined by someone who clearly doesn’t have any manners in the saying.
We’re not saying you’re one of these people — you proud New Jerseyans, you! — but in case you have friends coming to the Jersey Shore for the first time, or if you just know someone who needs to brush up on their beach Jersey shore etiquette, we’ve got you covered.
Learn how to park!
Look, nobody likes looking for parking at the beach. It’s arguably the worst part of any beach day. But what makes it worse is clowns who take up multiple parking spots. If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot, take time to make sure you’re in just one space. Have some decency, or don’t be surprised when you come back to a nasty note on your car!
Towns recieve complaints about pot smoking on smoke-free NJ beaches
No smoking
It used to be banned in some places, and now it’s illegal on all public beaches. When we’re enjoying the natural of beauty of the beach and the salty sea air, the last thing we want is to start choking on secondhand smoke. And even if you’re smoking away from people, don’t act like you’re picking up your cigarette butts.
“Today New Jersey is taking action to get the butts off the beach,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at the bill-signing ceremony in July of 2018. “This was a long time coming.”
Damn right.
Give people their space!
New Jersey has miles and miles of broad, beautiful beaches. So why did you feel the need to plop your chair down inches away from where I’m laying on my towel? This is awkward for me, you’re going to tell me it isn’t for you? Respect personal space, people, I’m begging you.
Exhibit sand awareness
There’s nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes, right? Well, there’s nothing worse than getting hit with sand when you least expect it. That means not kicking sand when you’re walking near other people, and shaking out your towel away from the crowd. It’s really not hard.
Keep your music down
We’re sure your musical taste is impeccable. I’ll take your word for it. Still, no one comes to the beach to hear it. You don’t necessarily need to use headphones, but at least keep it to a reasonable volume. Unless you’re playing some Bruce Springsteen, which is always allowed to be blasted in New Jersey.
Clean up after yourself
This was a rule when you were a kid, it’s a rule now that you’re an adult and it should apply to everyone everywhere — especially at the beach. The beach is beautiful and amazing when we maintain it, but can get gross really quickly if we don’t follow this rule. Leave the beach as you found it, and if you don’t be prepared to be called out.
Play games on the side
Nothing says summer like Wiffle Ball on the beach. Though at this point, you may be playing KanJam or Spikeball. Either way, have fun! Just don’t do it right next to where I’m sitting. I don’t care how good you think you are, you’re going to hit me with the ball or the frisbee or whatever you’re playing with. It’s going to happen. Move away from the crowds.
Stay off the dunes
The dunes are a beautiful and essential part of the beach. Let’s keep it that way, yeah? They serve as a natural storm barrier and are home to plant life. Walking on the dunes kills the plants, kills the dunes and in a sense kills the beach. For real, stay off!
New Jersey Parks Lifeguard Training 2025
Lifeguard positions are anticipated at nine swimming areas across the state. While candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment, prior experience is not necessary. Paid training is provided and each lifeguard will receive a U.S. Lifesaving Association certification.NJDEP
Listen to the lifeguard
You may think you’re Michael Phelps. You’re not Michael Phelps. So when the lifeguard tells you to bring it in, or to stay out of the water, or to do literally anything, just do it. It’s safer for you and I’m sick of hearing the lifeguard blowing his whistle.
Keep an eye on your kids
How great was going to the beach as a kid? It’s like a giant sandbox! With a pool! It’s the best. You know what’s the worst, though? When kids ruin your day at the beach. They run all over the place, kicking sand and breaking many of the rules on this list. I’m not blaming the kids, I’m blaming the parents. Do your jobs, folks. They may ruin your day at the beach, but you better not let them ruin mine.
Keep PDA to a minimum
Look, the beach can be romantic. And going to the beach with your significant other is great. If you want to steal a kiss and hold hands or whatever, knock yourself out. But no one wants to find themselves next to that couple in the water that’s gratuitously making out or worse. Don’t make it awkward.
Dress appropriately
Wanna go to a n**e beach? Go to a n**e beach! We have them! Seriously, Gunnison Beach on Sandy Hook. But uh, unless you’re there, keep your clothes on. Ain’t nobody wanna see you in your birthday suit, and keep yourself decent. Please.
AP
Experts say sunscreen is a must. Pictured here are attendees who visited the Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care Skin Styling Station at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim to check out new Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration lotion sunscreen on Saturday, July 21, 2012 in Miami Beach, FL. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Invision for Hawaiian Tropic)Invision for Hawaiian Tropic
Wear sunscreen
You’re just going to look ridiculous when you’re as red as a lobster, and I don’t want to hear you whining about your burns. Sunscreen should be applied a half-hour before you trek onto the beach for the full effect, and make sure to reapply!
Secure your stuff
The beach gets windy! So if you’re smart enough to bring an umbrella, also be sure to make sure it’s really stuck in the ground. No one wants to be the person chasing a runaway umbrella down the beach. And uh, you may get impaled.
Don’t feed the seagulls!
I bet you’re excited to eat your lunch at the beach. You know who else is? The birds. Seagulls will swoop in and devour any food you leave out and pester everyone in the vicinity. Trust me, a seagull once stole a sandwich right out of my hands. These homies aren’t playing around.
https://www.nj.com/entertainment/jersey-shore-beach-etiquette/
