3 Things to Know about Beach Etiquette in 2020

Summer is here, and it’s time to hit the beach (like nearby Huntington Beach )! But due to COVID-19, your trip to the beach might look a little different than before. One of the biggest changes involves how you interact with other beachgoers. To make sure everyone has an enjoyable time, here are three things to know about beach etiquette in 2020.

Wear Masks and Socially Distance

The use of face coverings in California is currently mandatory , with some exemptions. One of those is for outdoor activities where social distancing can be achieved. The beach qualifies under that definition, but still, there are some situations at the beach where social distancing cannot be maintained. Be sure to have a mask on hand, and wear it whenever you are near others living outside of your immediate household. This includes your time in the parking lot and when using the restroom facilities.

Stay Local

Due to the varying amount of coronavirus cases specific to location, it’s a good idea to go to local beaches. If you do decide to travel to a distant beach, ask yourself these two questions issued by the CDC regarding travel : 

If the answer is “yes” to either of these questions, it’s best to stay close to home to help curb the spread of the virus. 

Another argument for the “staying local” etiquette involves the availability of supplies. If visitors are buying up store inventory, it may not leave enough for the residents of that area.

Come Prepared

Even with social distancing measures, you’ll likely come into contact with some communal surfaces, such as handrails and bathroom facilities. These are the perfect places for the virus to collect , so be extra cautious. Keep your hand sanitizer near and reapply as often as needed. 

Also, avoid communal surfaces as much as you can. For example, bring a water bottle to avoid using the drinking fountain; plan to take a longer route to avoid the people and handrails on the stairs. These slight adjustments to your trip can do a lot of good in helping to stop the spread of the virus. 

As we head to the beach this summer, it’s important to be mindful of those around you. Remember to observe social distancing, stay local, and come prepared. And definitely, be sure to have a great time at the beach!