February 2008: Popular for the sun and sporty atmosphere, the beaches in Santa Monica are one of the highlights of a trip to LA. Mixing with the locals adds a distinctive flavour to any holiday but visitors to the area may be unaware of the unspoken beach etiquette guide that exists. Exposing all the secrets in six handy tips, the following is Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau’s guide to beach etiquette:
1. Be sensitive and aware of other people. Whether learning to surf or expertly catching a wave, be respectful of others’ space on and off the water. This also applies when selecting your spot on the beach for the day. Visitors who are interested in surfing should make sure the surf camp/instructor is licensed by the city.
2. Leave only footprints. Santa Monica is one of the leading green cities in the USA. Remove all rubbish before leaving the beach and help keep it clean.
3. Parents – mind your children! This is a city of sun worshipers, both local and visitors, so try not to encourage children to pour sand over their beach neighbours. Keep an eye on children especially near the water as lifeguards are there to assist but are not babysitters.
4. Butt out. Smoking is illegal on Santa Monica beaches and in this health-conscious community, this is one law not to break!
5. Listen to the lifeguards. The beach may resemble Baywatch but the lifeguards are not just there to look good and parade about. If they issue a warning, adhere to it. At each lifeguard station there are postings regarding water quality and surf conditions, (ie: rough water, rip currents and other dangerous conditions) each day that swimmers should be aware of.
6. Be wary of storm drain puddles. Do not allow children to play in storm drain puddles, which may appear warm and inviting but the water is urban runoff and not suitable for swimming. Swim at least 100 yards away from where the storm drain flow enters the surf. Wait 72 hours after a rain storm. When it rains, pollutants that have been accumulating on the streets and in the catch basins get whisked through the storm drain system to the ocean dramatically increasing bacteria levels in the Bay. 72 hours provides time for bacteria levels to return to safe levels. And remember, over 95% of the time beaches along the Santa Monica Bay are safe in dry weather.
Because of the mild surf conditions, Santa Monica beach is great for swimming, bodysurfing and boogie boarding, as well as for a family day out. A complete range of gear, including boards and wetsuits, can be rented from a number of businesses in town.
For more information, including the best bits of sand to perch a towel, accommodation and the Zagat award winning restaurant choices, visit www.santamonica.com
About Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit organisation designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For travel and accommodation information or a free copy of the Official Visitors Guide, the public can write to the Santa Monica Visitor Centre, 1920 Main Street Suite B, Santa Monica, CA 90405; call +1 310 393 7593; visit www.santamonica.com; or email info@santamonica.com
For more information contact:
Magellan PR on Tel: 020 8875 2850
Email: info@magellan-pr.com