A beach is a strip of land at the edge of a body of water that is primarily composed of loose, fine materials such as sand, pebbles and rock fragments, or sometimes coral reef particles. Beaches form around the world, in oceans, lakes, and wetlands, and are popular destinations for sunbathing, swimming and other recreational activities.
A beach forms by erosion of the coastline and the continual transport of sand and other sediments along its shoreline by waves or currents. A beach may also contain a variety of other natural and cultural features, including sea grasses, birds, crabs, fish, shellfish, and plants with calcified roots (such as mangroves).
The shape and size of a beach depend on many factors, including the type of sediment it contains, the size of the rocks it contains, the velocity of wave action, the turbidity of the water, the presence of vegetation and its state of compaction, and the amount of foreign material washed in from elsewhere. In general, beaches that are exposed to strong winds and waves tend to erode faster than those that are less exposed. Freak wave events can substantially change the shape, profile and location of a beach within hours.
Human forces have significantly changed beaches globally. Direct impacts include bad construction practices on sand dunes and coastlines, while indirect influences such as coastal pollution, overpopulation, climate change and sea level rise alter the environment that supports beaches. Beaches can also be shaped and restored through beach nourishment, the deposit of new sediments to build up or repair erosional sand bars.
In the United States, public beach access varies greatly. In some places, such as Oregon and Rhode Island, all dry sand is public property, up to the high-tide line. In other places, such as Long Island and Massachusetts, beach access is limited to local residents and people who rent houses or condos in the area for the summer. Private beach owners can even legally prevent visitors from walking on their beaches if they are carrying guns or fishing poles, as well as a variety of other reasons.
There are many ways to improve beach accessibility, including increased funding for beach management programs, renewed enforcement of existing laws and regulations, and changes to coastal access policies. However, the most important step is increasing the public’s awareness of beach access issues and laws in their local areas. This will help them support local beach-related organizations and push for change where necessary. Click on the links below to learn more about beach issues and find resources for improving beach accessibility in your community.