A veteran Sea Isle City beach tag inspector tells Ironside Shore Wire there are two common beach-tag situations where a little cooperation can go a long way toward reducing friction.
The first involves one family member, almost always mom, carrying all the tags.
The second involves beachgoers who made it onto the sand before inspectors arrived — and left their tags back at the house.
Here’s how an experienced inspector recommends handling both.
Scenario 1: Mom Has All the Beach Tags
Mom has a Ziploc bag with 10 beach tags. Three people head onto the beach with her.
The rest of the group is still parking, unloading chairs or making a stop before joining them.
It happens every day. And it’s common sense why mom wants to maintain firm hold of those easily losable tags at all times.
The solution is simple, but it requires a reasonable inspector.
Show the inspector the tags, explain that more people are coming.
Suggest an oddly specific word that can be used as a code word your group can use. The inspector Ironside spoke with has used “asparagus” as a code word in the past.
The idea is to create accountability.
Scenario 2: The Tags Are Back at the House
You’re already set up at the beach before inspectors arrive.
The tags are still hanging back at the house.
According to the inspector, this situation is largely about how you approach it.
Name dropping never helps. Ever. Same goes for being uppity.
What actually works: Respectfulness.
Explain that you forgot the tags and will be heading back to the house shortly. Then ask if the inspector can check again on the next pass.
And if you want bonus points, add a little self-deprecating humor.
“If I still don’t have them, you can watch me march myself right off the beach.”
Ha. Good one.
The inspector probably won’t be back for another couple of hours anyway.
That’s your window.
Good luck. Don’t forget to put the booze in a travel mug.
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