Crap on the beach

time to start leaning all the crap against a trashcan.

Sounds like more Trashy Americans! Typical Tourist Apathy. Yet how long does the County leave broken pop tents lying around. I can only pick up so much but those things seem to last up to week. Freakin dries me Bonkers. I wanna slap some folks upside the head! Especially the ones who think the beach is a giant ashtray. Would it be wrong to start making people eat their trash or am I just too mean?

There is no need to rake the beach here, but we could use the guys who clean up the crap, eg - chairs, tents, umbrellas, towels, coolers, toys, etc.

Honestly, people don't leave much on the beach in the area I go in Jersey. Maybe because of the proximity to major cities where thefts occur more often, people are more cautious.
I am more concerned with crap that floats into the waters that can affect marine life. The chairs and kayaks don't bother me so much if they are left behind by rental co. Those items cost them money and they know tide tables etc., so no one wants to lose those. The average tourist does not know these things though, and obviously are ignorant of conservation efforts, not to mention it's unsightly. Leaving your cr-p on the beach just demonstrates sheer laziness.

The average tourist does not know these things though, and obviously are ignorant of conservation efforts, not to mention it's unsightly.

I think you are so on target. Most people love the beach as much as the locals, but are unaware of the effects of their lazy ways. They just want to enjoy as much as possible with little effort. WHere I stay it is a long hike down steps, 45 to be exact, which complicates hauling a chair. I am coming with a family who usually frequents another beach....they have always put up a tent. When asked if that can be done this year, I told them it wasn't allowed. Won't they be surprised when their are villages of tents everywhere.

The tourists desperately need to be educated, and this board does a good job. It needs to be more widespread. I like the idea of info about ways to protect the beach being left rentals. Maybe the visitors center could send out the info when they mail packets as well. No one wants to destroy the area.

Dear SmileyJ,

What have you scored so far? I need a couple of those short folding beach chairs to take to Grayton SP. I prefer blue. Thank you in advance for the free merchandise!

BC

Dear SmileyJ,

What have you scored so far? I need a couple of those short folding beach chairs to take to Grayton SP. I prefer blue. Thank you in advance for the free merchandise!

BC

I plead the 5th. (Where and when would you like to collect the blue chair with cup and cigarette holder? )

I plead the 5th. (Where and when would you like to collect the blue chair with cup and cigarette holder? )

I smell a new forum coming on! This is great! :clap_1:

I smell a new forum coming on! This is great! :clap_1:

It could be titled, "Previously owned beach crap for sale or trade."

Yes, saw them on TV. And the mom ended the whole story by saying she wanted to let everyone know it's dangerous to dig big holes at the beach and not to do it. I'm hoping maybe their story and her word of caution impacted someone who's never thought about it.
SJ, you skeery.

It's lucky that the kid who dug the hole fell in during the day; it would have been a real tragedy had it happened to some unsuspecting victim walking the beach at dusk!

Sure hope the story made an impact on future sand-diggers!

I just read this entire thread and would normally just read and heed.....

but I just wanted to let you all know that we have been renting vacation homes in your area for years and have NEVER had any type of info left in the rental as to what should or should not be left on the beach. To be honest I really didn't know what was right or wrong untill I read it on this board a few years ago. If there was to be a letter hanging on the fridge or something that said please do not leave your tent, chairs,floaties.....on the beach at night we would have done so for sure. Our group always cleaned up our stuff and then put it under the boardwalk so we didn't have to carry it back up to the house( thought that was ok) We do respect the fact that we are in someone's home and that the beaches need to be protected, we simply just didn't know that it was such a big no-no. I am NOT trying to be a smart ass, I was just sitting here thinking why this type if info isn't given to the renters in some homes........Of course now I know better ;-) this board does a wonderful service to all who vacation and live in Sowal

I just read this entire thread and would normally just read and heed.....

but I just wanted to let you all know that we have been renting vacation homes in your area for years and have NEVER had any type of info left in the rental as to what should or should not be left on the beach. To be honest I really didn't know what was right or wrong untill I read it on this board a few years ago. If there was to be a letter hanging on the fridge or something that said please do not leave your tent, chairs,floaties.....on the beach at night we would have done so for sure. Our group always cleaned up our stuff and then put it under the boardwalk so we didn't have to carry it back up to the house( thought that was ok) We do respect the fact that we are in someone's home and that the beaches need to be protected, we simply just didn't know that it was such a big no-no. I am NOT trying to be a smart ass, I was just sitting here thinking why this type if info isn't given to the renters in some homes........Of course now I know better ;-) this board does a wonderful service to all who vacation and live in Sowal

Great post seagrovelover. I know that our guests are reading our "Seacrest Beach Courtesy Rules", flag system info and other things we post for them, because we have heard questions based on those postings. I think I'll come up with a short "be kind to the beaches" list to post nearby. Stay off the dunes (and exactly what is a dune in case they don't know), don't leave stuff overnight, don't litter, etc etc.

I just read this entire thread and would normally just read and heed.....

but I just wanted to let you all know that we have been renting vacation homes in your area for years and have NEVER had any type of info left in the rental as to what should or should not be left on the beach. To be honest I really didn't know what was right or wrong untill I read it on this board a few years ago. If there was to be a letter hanging on the fridge or something that said please do not leave your tent, chairs,floaties.....on the beach at night we would have done so for sure. Our group always cleaned up our stuff and then put it under the boardwalk so we didn't have to carry it back up to the house( thought that was ok) We do respect the fact that we are in someone's home and that the beaches need to be protected, we simply just didn't know that it was such a big no-no. I am NOT trying to be a smart ass, I was just sitting here thinking why this type if info isn't given to the renters in some homes........Of course now I know better ;-) this board does a wonderful service to all who vacation and live in Sowal

Great suggestion, Seagrovelover, and one that will surely help if people will jump on board and place the friendly reminder of to-do's and not-to-do's in their units.

I plead the 5th. (Where and when would you like to collect the blue chair with cup and cigarette holder? )

I'll be in touch:funn:

Great post seagrovelover. I remember back in the day when Seaside "allowed" you to "store" beach stuff under the walkovers. I say "allowed", because there was a sign stating all beach items had to be gone by Monday morning or they would be thrown out. I sure wish someone would come up with a printable page of "good beach visitor rules" for owners to post for their guests...hint hint.

I just read this entire thread and would normally just read and heed.....

but I just wanted to let you all know that we have been renting vacation homes in your area for years and have NEVER had any type of info left in the rental as to what should or should not be left on the beach. To be honest I really didn't know what was right or wrong untill I read it on this board a few years ago. If there was to be a letter hanging on the fridge or something that said please do not leave your tent, chairs,floaties.....on the beach at night we would have done so for sure. Our group always cleaned up our stuff and then put it under the boardwalk so we didn't have to carry it back up to the house( thought that was ok) We do respect the fact that we are in someone's home and that the beaches need to be protected, we simply just didn't know that it was such a big no-no. I am NOT trying to be a smart ass, I was just sitting here thinking why this type if info isn't given to the renters in some homes........Of course now I know better ;-) this board does a wonderful service to all who vacation and live in Sowal

Good post, and it proves my point that this is more of an education problem than a legal one. Many of the people guilty of leaving stuff on the beach may not realize what they are doing is a problem. They are the ones that need to be educated.

But there are also people who do it, knowing fully well it is illegal. They are the ones to need to have their stuff confiscated.

JB,

Not to be a smart arse. Butt.

The beach chair/umbrella service companies leave the beach chairs and umbrellas set up overnight, week after week in the summer season. So why is it unacceptable or illegal for renters to leave their own beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach overnight? The two services I saw at the beach had more stuff on the beach than individuals.

I agree there is way too much stuff left on the beach. But watch what you wish for, you may get it. Two beach chairs companies will be out of business. On parts of the Jersey shore the lifeguards handle the beach chair rentals with the dollars going back to the local government.

Hmmm.

JB,

Not to be a smart arse. Butt.

The beach chair/umbrella service companies leave the beach chairs and umbrellas set up overnight, week after week in the summer season. So why is it unacceptable or illegal for renters to leave their own beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach overnight? The two services I saw at the beach had more stuff on the beach than individuals.

I agree there is way too much stuff left on the beach. But watch what you wish for, you may get it. Two beach chairs companies will be out of business. On parts of the Jersey shore the lifeguards handle the beach chair rentals with the dollars going back to the local government.

Hmmm.

Why don't you share the names of the companies you see leaving chairs and umbrelllas set up overnight. All of the guys who own chair rental businesses here, remove the items daily, and set them up again the next day if necessary.

JB,

Not to be a smart arse. Butt.

The beach chair/umbrella service companies leave the beach chairs and umbrellas set up overnight, week after week in the summer season. So why is it unacceptable or illegal for renters to leave their own beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach overnight? The two services I saw at the beach had more stuff on the beach than individuals.

I agree there is way too much stuff left on the beach. But watch what you wish for, you may get it. Two beach chairs companies will be out of business. On parts of the Jersey shore the lifeguards handle the beach chair rentals with the dollars going back to the local government.

Hmmm.

I believe I said the exact same thing in a post earlier in this thread. Did you even read it? A lone umbrella with two beach chairs under it, left overnight, doesn't really bother me. It is the folks who leave things like water weenies, sand buckets, dozens of toys, empty soda cans, etc, etc. - and leave these items for days on end, that are the problem.

Of course, I have my own umbrella and chairs, so I don't need beach service. Heck, I had a friend of mine in the canvas awning business order me an umbrella just like the beach services use. Paid less to buy it outright than I would pay to rent one for two weeks.

Difference is, I take it down every night and set it up again the next day.

Why don't you share the names of the companies you see leaving chairs and umbrelllas set up overnight. All of the guys who own chair rental businesses here, remove the items daily, and set them up again the next day if necessary.

The week we were at the beach that was a beach set-up company that had about 6 set-ups set up right down from the Villa's. These were not removed everynight. Beach Rentals I think, was the name of the company. I was pretty upset the setups were not taken down daily.

Why don't you share the names of the companies you see leaving chairs and umbrelllas set up overnight. All of the guys who own chair rental businesses here, remove the items daily, and set them up again the next day if necessary.

SJ, I understand where you are coming from, but I just don't think that is feasible. These companies simply don't have the manpower to do that. Those wooden chairs they use are HEAVY. Gathering all of them up every day along 20 miles of beaches, hauling them up stairs and loading them in a truck, only to turn around the next day and do it all over again would be impossible. Just playing the Devil's advocate here.

Again, IMO, this isn't the problem. It is the assortment of personal effects and trash, that when left overnight or longer, is the problem.

SJ, I understand where you are coming from, but I just don't think that is feasible. These companies simply don't have the manpower to do that. Those wooden chairs they use are HEAVY. Gathering all of them up every day along 20 miles of beaches, hauling them up stairs and loading them in a truck, only to turn around the next day and do it all over again would be impossible. Just playing the Devil's advocate here.

Again, IMO, this isn't the problem. It is the assortment of personal effects and trash, that when left overnight or longer, is the problem.

JB, I understand your concern also. However, during turtle nesting season these chairs and umbrellas left on the beaches overnight cause a problem for the turtles. They are huge obstacles. And in the case the week I was there, in the mornings the chairs would be partially buried in the sand because of the tide coming in. They looked horrible!!!

SJ,
Joe that is not what I saw. I was there for three weeks. Those guys did not remove or even break down a single chair nightly. As far as the names,I know of only two. One blue and one green. They are just trying to make a living and are good guys. You know them.

JB,
It is a lot more than 2 chairs and an umbrella. How about several dozen setups in just one location by the chair services.


The point is you will not be able to pick and choose what is ok to be left on the beach. It will be all or nothing. Ultimately, it will be nothing, the county will be renting out the chairs and umbrellas, collecting all of the fees. When that happens you will not be allowed to set up your own stuff with 100 yards in each direction of a life guard stand.


Happy hauling.

I think I have mentioned it before- my bee-yoo-tiful turquoise crank umbrella, size very large, and very nice too, is now ours courtesy of the schmucko that left it on the beach overnight, 2 years ago.

I'm looking for matching chairs- y'all keep your eyes peeled please!

I love it! Bargain beach shopping! :clap_1: Hope the schmucko learned his lesson!

When we were at Palms of Seagrove we rented from Chip. Each night he would take up chairs and umbrellas, put them in storage boxes and lock them up. When we arrived on the beach each day, everything had been set up for us with our name on it. Chip seemed to be very responsible and caring for the beaches. He would even pick up trash as he walked up and down the beach. Not to mention he was very friendly and helpful when it came to questions about the area. Just my 2 pennies worth.;-)

SJ,
Joe that is not what I saw. I was there for three weeks. Those guys did not remove or even break down a single chair nightly. As far as the names,I know of only two. One blue and one green. They are just trying to make a living and are good guys. You know them.

JB,
It is a lot more than 2 chairs and an umbrella. How about several dozen setups in just one location by the chair services.


The point is you will not be able to pick and choose what is ok to be left on the beach. It will be all or nothing. Ultimately, it will be nothing, the county will be renting out the chairs and umbrellas, collecting all of the fees. When that happens you will not be allowed to set up your own stuff with 100 yards in each direction of a life guard stand.


Happy hauling.

Like I said, Devil's advocate. No one hates beach clutter more than yours truly.

But......if the independent beach service companies are going to be forced to pickup dozens of sets of chairs/umbrellas scattered along the whole shoreline of Walton County, and do it every evening, then those companies are going to either a) be forced out of business, or b) be forced to charge rates that are so steep, folks will simply buy their own stuff.

If the latter happens, you can bet your bottom dollar it will make the problem worse. Much worse. The 100 yards on either side of any given lifeguard stand constitutes what? Probably less than one percent of the total beach area.

And I don't know about y'all, but I don't like seeing small businesses being forced to go under when there are other ways to address this issue.

Again, just trying to look at the big picture here.