B51 Photography / Mark Brown

By Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Originally posted Aug. 2, 2018

New Jersey has some amazing beaches. 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.

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The Do's and Don't's of the Jersey Shore Don't be the person who ruins a perfectly good beach trip. 🏖 Posted by NJ.com on Thursday, July 20, 2017

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MaryAnn Spoto | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

No smoking

It's banned in some places now, and starting next year it will be 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 late July. "This was a long time coming."

Damn right.

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Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

Don't crowd people

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.

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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.

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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 the new Drake album, which might be worth a pass.

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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.

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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.

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B51 Photography / Mark Brown

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.

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Tim Hawk | For NJ.com

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.

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Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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.

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Pete Genovese | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Dress appropriately

Wanna go to a nude beach? Go to a nude 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.

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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!

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Douglas DeFelice

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.

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Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Don't leave food out

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.

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Read more on the Jersey Shore

All 18 boardwalks in New Jersey, ranked from worst to best

All 44 beaches in New Jersey, ranked worst to best

The 35 best boardwalk foods at the Jersey Shore, ranked

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Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook.