Survey of Beach and Poolgoers
TripAdvisor released its annual survey of pool and beach etiquette, a survey based on information obtained form 1100 U.S. travelers.
Based on my experience they seem to have hit the nail on the head with the following findings:
"Americans were called out as the world’s worst beach and pool etiquette offenders, with New Yorkers named the country’s most poorly behaved, followed by beachgoers from New Jersey and Florida.
Young adults are deemed the most egregious waterside etiquette offenders (39 percent), followed by teenagers (34 percent) – while middle-aged adults (12 percent) outweigh young children (10 percent)."
The top three breaches of beach etiquette are:
Blasting loud music – 27 percent
Public intoxication – 12 percent
Littering – 12 percent
(Which proves there is nothing more offensive than loud drunks when everyone else is trying to enjoy beach quiet time)
The top three poolside violations:
Blasting loud music – 21 percent
Beach chair hogging – 18 percent (85 percent consider it unacceptable to reserve chairs by getting up early and leaving one's possessions on them – while 11 percent confess to doing so.)
Smoking – 13 percent
I must admit I'm one of the offenders that places a towel on their beach chair early, then goes about their business knowing they have "dibs" on a good one. I'll quit if everyone else will. I'd also add here that reserving the chaise lounges by placing kids things on them is extra rude IF the kids are only at the chair for seconds at a time to talk to a parent.
As a personal note, hotels should survey their guests on what they want. I have almost quit going to the Riu chain even though they have nice accommodations because they have the music and DJ cranked up at the pool every day and it is impossible to enjoy any peaceful time. Even at the most relaxing resort I've been to, the Sunset at the Palms resort in Negril, Jamaica, the music from the two Rius on Bloody Bay can be heard and are a distraction. I don't mind music but there is a lower setting on the volume than 11.
