Wild Beach Party

Alcohol and Wild Parties

Alcohol consumption often contributes to losing control of a party. While alcohol’s effects on different people vary, you can be sure that within a group of people who have drunk too much, several are sure to become aggressive, sexually uninhibited or make bad decisions. At a beach, excess alcohol consumption can be fatal if people fall into the water or choose to dive or swim after drinking.

Of course, this is not to say that you cannot serve alcohol at a beach party. Just be aware of how much is served and when you are serving it. Follow these general guidelines:

• Serve food and water throughout the early part of the evening.
• Move the party as far away from the water and up the beach as possible when it gets later and drinks are served.
• Keep food available after bringing out the alcoholic drinks.
• Have enough mixers and alcohol to provide two or three drinks per person and no more.
• Have several mixed “virgin” drinks available.
• Hire a party bus or have several designated drivers to provide rides home.
• End the party a couple hours after introducing the alcohol to avoid problems.

Some beaches may not allow alcoholic beverages on their sands. Be sure to let everyone know the policy to avoid any misunderstandings if it is a potluck-style party.

Other Beach Party Problems

While alcohol can be a main cause of problems at a beach party, there can be other issues that play a part. A wild party can ensue if too many people are invited or if uninvited people crash the party. To avoid overcrowding, keep party attendance within safety codes for the area of the beach you reserve. Do not let people bring along someone you do not know.

Party crashing often occurs later in the evening, when the crashers think no one will notice. Keep your party separated by sectioning it off with a tent or tiki torches. For expensive or exclusive parties, you may want to hire someone to check invites at the entrance.

Kids and teen beach parties are great for birthdays and other life milestones. Often, children and teens want parents to stay away from their parties out of fear of embarrassment, especially if the party is coed. Teen parties should always be supervised, as even responsible teens might choose to partake in underage drinking when under the influence of peers.

Though some children may be mature enough to handle themselves, you want to avoid the risks of leaving them alone. You can do several things to alleviate your fears and keep your children and their friends safe:

• Set ground rules before the party, such as no food fights or swimming after dark.
• Ask a “cool” aunt/uncle or trusted neighbors to chaperone a teen party.
• Hire several off-duty lifeguards to watch swimmers.
• Pay a few responsible teens to help you supervise young children at a beach party.

Wild Beach Party Trouble Tips

No matter how well you plan, you still may end up with a wild beach party on your hands. Planning for the worst-case scenario will help you manage any troublesome situations. Here are a few scenarios and possible solutions:

• Uninvited Guests: Have someone stamp hands or give out wristbands before people enter the party area. Politely ask party crashers who sneak in to leave. If they refuse, call the local beach patrol.
• Alcohol Issues: Quit serving alcohol. Save dessert for the end of the evening and make it a big deal, where everyone needs to sit down and be served, forcing them to calm down and eat something. Arrange rides for people who cannot drive.
• Property Destruction: Have plenty of trash receptacles available. A hired clean-up crew (perhaps paid teens or a professional service) can help deal with messy problems. Ask people causing severe damage to repair the problem and then leave.
• Noise Issues: Bands and DJs can be asked to turn their speakers down. Teens and children may need to be reminded to keep their voices at a reasonable level. If necessary, swap out loud bass music for lighter beach party music that does not carry as well across the beach.

With proper planning, most beach parties can be kept under control. In the event that something or someone gets out of hand, you want to have a few ideas of how you would handle the situation. Discuss possible problems and solutions with your spouse or fellow party sponsors.

Although no one wants to think a fun day in the sun could turn into an out-of-control celebration, it could happen. Therefore, keep cell phones handy with the numbers of local authorities and cab services programmed into the contact list just in case. Being prepared for a potentially wild beach party is always the best defense against crazy behaviors.