Everyone loves a good day at the beach, right? Celebrate your affinity for the coast on August 30, National Beach Day. Started in 2014, this holiday raises our awareness of the beauty of beaches while also calling attention to keeping them clean and safe.Here’s how you can help: after enjoying the beach, leave nothing behind. Keep animals from getting trapped or tangled in trash, on land and in the water. So, swim, dive, surf, and take in the world’s aquatic playgrounds. Just remember to do your part to protect one of our most cherished natural resources — our beaches.
National Beach Day timeline
The Clean Water Act sets water quality and pollution control standards to keep America's waters clean, including its beaches.
This act aims to “preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance the resources of the nation’s coastal zone.”
The BEACH Act requires the EPA to develop criteria for testing, monitoring, and notifying public users of possible coastal recreation water problems.
National Beach Day Activities
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Keep the SPF handy
The light rays of the sun reflect off the ocean water, making it even more intense for your skin. As you spend the day outside, you're exposing yourself to lots of UV (ultraviolet) rays. Protect your skin by applying some sunscreen. Not only will you ward off sunburns and stings, but you’ll help shield your skin from premature aging.
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Host a beach bbq and clean-up party
Invite your friends out to take part in an environmentally-friendly shindig on the beach. Have enough hot dogs and other favorite beach snacks on hand for your guests. Bring a volleyball or a football to throw around, or a guitar to sing some fun summertime favorites. When you’re done, make sure to clean up, and take some time to comb the beach for additional trash.
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Throw a beach-themed party
Even if you don't live near the water, you can still have fun at the "beach." Go all out and turn your backyard into a seashore soiree. Serve up fruity cocktails with funky paper umbrellas. Grill up kebabs and cut up some watermelon. Keep seating simple by making the meal picnic-style on beach blankets and towels. Break out the limbo stick and cornhole boards for your guests to have the full beach experience!
Why We Love National Beach Day
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It’s important to be environmentally-conscious
Little, simple acts can make a huge impact on the health of beaches and oceans. Walking more and switching to fluorescent light bulbs can help reduce your carbon footprint. Forego using so many plastic products, as many end up in the water. They can wreak havoc on the coastal habitat.
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It’s a chance to be active outdoors
The beach offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine. Take a swim in the ocean and get some fresh saltwater on your skin. Lay out on a towel and give your skin some vitamin D. Put up a net to play a game or two of beach volleyball. Pack a picnic so you don’t have to leave, and make sure you stay to catch the sun set over the water!
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It promotes giving back to beach organizations
There are many organizations that help to keep beaches clean and fun all year long. Save Our Beach works to “educate individuals, companies, schools and organizations on how their environmental footprint impacts their community and the world.” Many beach communities have groups that advocate for environmentally-friendly behavior. If you live near a beach, check out your local organization to volunteer.
National Beach Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 30 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | August 30 | Friday |
| 2025 | August 30 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August 30 | Sunday |
| 2027 | August 30 | Monday |
