Beach Etiquette 101 on Ocean Isle Beach
You may have noticed but these days it, appears that good manners and etiquette have gone by the wayside. So maybe it is time for a little refresher on the proper beach etiquette and to review a few of the local ordinances and laws that visitors to Ocean Isle Beach need to know. So, let's get started with everything you need to know and share to have a great beach experience this summer on Ocean Isle Beach.
Local rules and regulations
Ocean Isle Beach, like most beaches, has certain rules and regulations to ensure visitors have a safe and fun time while still protecting our beautiful beaches and wildlife. Here are five rules everyone needs to know. For a complete list of Ocean Isle Beach rules click here.
1. STAY OFF THE DUNES! Preserve fragile dune vegetation. ($100 fine).
2. ABSOLUTELY NO FIREWORKS - N.C. State Law $500 fine. Sky lanterns are also prohibited.
3. No digging holes on beach strand larger than 16" deep x 5’ wide. Shovels (other than toy shovels intended for use by children) are prohibited on beach strand. Holes must be attended to AT ALL TIMES and filled back in before leaving the beach strand or 7:00 p.m., whichever occurs first.
4. All dogs must be leashed or fenced at all times. NO DOGS allowed on beach strand from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. No dogs allowed at any time in Public Access/Parking Areas. Pooper Scooper Ordinance in effect.
5. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF ITEMS ON THE BEACH: ABSOLUTELY NO CABANAS, CANOPIES, TENTS OR AWNINGS ARE ALLOWED ON THE BEACH AT ANY TIME. Umbrellas, as well as *infant pop-up tents, are permissible. (*no larger than 46” L x 36” D x 36”H). All beach equipment and personal items must be removed from the beach strand on a daily basis. In order to keep our beach safe and clean, all items left unattended and remaining on the beach between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. will be classified as abandoned and removed and disposed of by the Town. All beach equipment shall be set at least ten (10) feet from any sea turtle nest or dune vegetation and cannot be placed seaward of the nest. Â Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a civil penalty of $50 for each offense.
Eight beach etiquette tips
Don't feed seagulls
It may be fun for the birds but all it does is create a spectacle and disrupts the fun for the humans. Not to mention seagulls are not the cleanest animals. Feeding these birds can get messy quick. Another important reason not to feed them is that the foods we feed them are actually harmful to them. Let the birds live a bird's life and eat what they naturally find in nature.
Careful when riding the waves
The ocean is vast but when the waves are big the surfers, bodyboarders, SUP, and kids splashing about in the waves can cause things to get a little hectic. When in the water be aware of surfers who may not see you swimming in the water. If surfing, take care to avoid areas with fishermen and kids to prevent any unwanted collisions.
Clean up after your pets
Nothing is more disgusting than finding pet waste on the beach. Of course, we all love our favorite four-legged friends, on Ocean Isle Beach, but proper etiquette is to make sure to clean up all pet waste. Do not bury your dog waste on the beach. Nobody wants that surprise while digging a sandcastle.
A clean beach is a happy beach
This is probably the most important rule and also the one most frequently violated. Don't litter. We all love the beach, a clean beach that is. Every year thousands of visitors come to Ocean Isle Beach, and each visitor needs to remember to do his/her part to keep the beach clean. Remember to put all trash in the available trash cans or carry out your waste. Don't forget that littering is a crime and punishable by a steep fine.
Keep it down
Sure, you'd like to enjoy your music, but your beach neighbors might not enjoy the same music. Try and keep your music low enough so your neighbors don't have to listen to your favorite music. Better yet, consider using earphones.
Fill in your holes
If you’re digging a hole in the sand, make sure to fill it back up before you leave to prevent anyone from falling in and getting hurt. You should do this regardless of how deep you dig. Leaving holes can also cause problems for our sea turtles. By filling in the holes, you help prevent loses in the sea turtle population.
Keep your distance
If you arrive at a busy time and the beach is crowded, you must look for a spot that will not disturb anyone. Choose a place that is not too close to anyone, being careful not to walk too fast and accidentally throw sand on people lying down.
Nobody likes secondhand smoke
Smoke in the right spot. No one wants to inhale second-hand smoke. Many beach towns in the area have designated spots for smokers to do their thing. That’s the place to go. If you do smoke, please make sure to police your butts. Cigarette butts are considered litter. Help us keep the beach clean.
Now is the perfect time to plan your next Ocean Isle Beach vacation. All you have to do is click the button below to explore our extensive inventory of well-appointed homes. If you'd prefer talking to one of our friendly and knowledgeable reservationists give us a call at 800-727-9222.
