This year, July 4th lands on a Friday, and the American Automobile Association anticipates that about 72.2 million people will be traveling—by car or plane.
Many of these travelers will likely be celebrating Independence Day at various locations. So, it begs the question: do beachgoers behave themselves?
A recent study by Beach.com reveals that a staggering 92% of Americans admit to displaying rude behavior at the beach.
Interestingly, most respondents confessed to urinating in the ocean during their beach outings.
To give you an idea, 70% of ocean enthusiasts have acknowledged wading into the water for relief instead of seeking out a restroom. While 18% find this habit bothersome, the truth is—what they don’t see can’t hurt them, I suppose.
Some participants shared other confessions like consuming alcohol in restricted areas (49%) and stealing sand and shells (38%). I mean, that’s slightly less controversial than the peeing part, right?
Almost 30% recognize that blasting loud music can be a nuisance to others, yet it doesn’t seem to deter them at all.
In fact, research indicates that one in ten Americans smokes at the beach. The aroma wafts around, while others might be holding their breath to avoid it.
Aside from smoking and loud tunes, a striking 82% of those surveyed said that littering is the most annoying behavior, but only about 25% of people owned up to doing it.
As for who’s more likely to exhibit these undesired behaviors, older individuals tend to be more considerate compared to younger generations—like the “ZERS,” who clocked in at 30% for such activities.
Millennials (26%) and Gen Xers (23%) seem to fall somewhere in between, partaking in these not-so-great habits.
For this study, Beach.com surveyed over 1,000 American adults aged 18-77, all of whom visit the beach at least once a year.
If you’re planning to unwind at the beach this weekend—or seeking a secluded spot for a quick restroom break—Cooper’s Beach on the Southampton Shore has been rated among the finest beaches in the country by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a well-known environmental sciences expert at Florida International University, commonly referred to as “Dr. Beach.” He has held this title since 1991, compiling annual rankings of beaches.
