Beach Etiquette

When I was in St. Tropez last week, I brought my kids to the beach and they commented on the women who tend to go topless. It’s very hard when you’re in a foreign country to really know what to expect when you go to the beach. What I do know is that my 12-year old son Noel was totally not into looking at the sagging breasts of some of the older women basking in the sun.

To address any confusion about public nudity, I explained to my kids that in France it’s quite customary for women to go topless on the beach and that they have to be open-minded. I'll never forget the first time I was guilted into going topless. I was 23 at the time and living in Italy (where it is also not unusual to go topless) and I looked like a weirdo with the only top on the beach. So I took it off and you know what? It was liberating! When you speak to your children about these customs, I find the Adam and Eve story comes in handy.

What a great time to be free and back in Europe. I got to practice my French (which one needs to practice once in a while). The ocean was like the Caribbean, beautiful, clear turquoise water and no jellyfish. Yeah!! I spent a lot of time on the beach and thought how it’s funny that no matter where you are, America, Europe or Asia the same rules still apply when it comes to beach etiquette. Here are some tips to make the most of out of your next beach day:

1. Know your beach before you go. Some beaches are conservative, for singles, family-oriented, clothes optional or nudist. Choose your beach wisely so you don’t encounter any surprises, pleasant or otherwise.
2. Wear a cover-up over your bathing suit until you are actually on the sand. Choose a suit that flatters your body and that goes with the vibe of the beach. What goes in Brazil may not be appropriate for Connecticut and may even get you arrested.
3. In your beach bag bring sunblock, water, towel, a good book or magazine, a hat, a camera and a small change purse for your money. Leave your license, passport and other official identifications locked in your car or in your hotel room.
4. I believe in the five-foot rule when setting up your place on the beach. Make sure that there is at least five feet between your stuff and your neighbor’s. Try not to block other people’s view of the water and remember to set up in back of the high tide mark so you don’t awake to a soaked towel and your cooler floating away.
5. Noise carries on the wind so there is no need to raise your voice while on the beach. Also, keep music low enough for just your group to hear it. I know that denying others your amazing beach playlist may seem cruel but trust me on this, music is personal.
6. Frisbee, football, and beach volleyball are all great games for the beach but set up away from where people are sunbathing.
7. Shake out your towels and blankets away from your beach neighbors.
8. Leave only your footprints behind.

Tip: Do us all a favor, unless you are twenty or Eva Longoria, wear your cover-up to go to the beach bar.