The beach should be the ultimate place for relaxation: sun, sea, a good book, and a few carefree hours. Yet it doesn't take much to turn a perfect day into a battle of nerves. Because under the umbrella, beyond sunscreen and towels, there's a real unwritten etiquette: here are ten simple rules, often dictated by common sense, but which every now and then are good to refresh.

1. Loud music is not a shared soundtrack
Even if it's the latest summer hit, not everyone on the coast wants to listen to it. Music on the beach can be pleasant, but at a moderate volume. Especially if your neighbor chose that spot specifically to listen to the sound of the waves.

2. The towel is not a territory to be conquered
Spreading out is human, but taking up half the beach with towels, bags, toys, and lilos is a little less so. Space on the beach is often limited, and leaving it to others should be one of the first rules.

3. Sand is beautiful, but not in the eyes of others
Shaking your towel while your neighbor is eating, running just inches from towels, or shaking sand off yourself right next to someone are all things to avoid. Sand should stay on the beach, not end up in your neighbor's food or eyes.

4. The phone can wait
A phone call every now and then is inevitable. A half-hour long, shouted conversation on the phone, perhaps spilling details of your private life to the entire coastline, is another matter entirely. And the same goes for videos watched without headphones: no way!

5. Waste is not part of the landscape
Bottles, tissues, cigarette butts, packaging, and leftovers should never, under any circumstances, be left on the shore. It seems trivial, but every summer the beach reports tell a different story. And when there are no trash cans, you need to bring a bag to collect your waste.

6. Be careful of smoking under the umbrella

No one on the beach wants to inhale cigarette smoke (and outdoors, it can be smelled even from a distance). Unless municipal ordinances specifically prohibit smoking, if you absolutely can't give it up, you should move (a considerable distance) away from other beachgoers. And, of course, don't leave your cigarette butt in the sand.

7. Lunch under the umbrella has its limits

A sandwich, fruit, and something fresh are perfect for a day at the beach (and no beach resort can prohibit their consumption). But setting up a full dinner table under the umbrella, with strong-smelling dishes and containers strewn everywhere, can be a real nuisance for the neighbors.

8. Children can play, adults can be patient
A beach is also a family-friendly place, and children have every right to play. Balls, paddles, and buckets are all part of summer. Of course, it's best to choose a spot where you won't be constantly bumping into someone sunbathing or reading.

9. The dog needs rules as much as his owner
When the beach allows pets, respect applies to everyone: leash when required, poop collection, and consideration for other beachgoers. Not everyone appreciates being greeted by a dog, no matter how affectionate.

10. When you leave, you leave everything as you found it.
Before leaving the beach, a quick glance around to check you haven't forgotten anything and to collect your trash should be a natural occurrence. And if the beach is free, the umbrella closes, the towel folds up, and the trash is taken away. And the shoreline becomes everyone's property again.

(Unioneonline/D)

© Riproduzione riservata