Dear Renters,

I understand that this is the season for families to rent at the beach. It's the one week a year that everyone looks forward to. However, for people who live at the beach full time, these are the weeks we hate most.

Now, without the renters at our beaches, the revenue wouldn't be nearly as grossing. Our shops and restaurants would suffer as well as many other small businesses. The renters are the main reason small beach towns can flourish and survive during the off-season months.

However, some renters and I'm not saying all, treat our beaches, our homes for the summer or year without respect. If there's one thing to remember while renting it's that: this is our homes, not just another vacation spot.

Some renters that I have met while working here have been more than pleasant. I enjoy talking to them, learning where they're from, and why they chose to vacation here. It makes my day more interesting.

Sometimes though when sitting on the beach it becomes the easiest to spot the renters. Just because of how they sometimes act.

Please, please, please learn how to anchor your umbrella correctly into the ground. The umbrella will not just stay in the ground if you just stick it there. If it's a windy day I really don't want to avoid flying umbrellas all around me.

Another thing: do not feed the seagulls! No matter how cute they are or how funny you think it is, it's not healthy for them. They will not only keep coming back long after you're gone but also defecate all over our nice beach.

We know renters enjoy having friends and family down during the week that they are here. That's fine! Just remember when you come to the beach with 20 people to not gang up on people already sitting there. It will not make you very welcome on our beach.

Some of these points may seem harsh, but it's only because I've experienced them time and time again. I live at a small beach and know the regulars who sit around me each day. We all try to do everything possible to keep our beaches clean and in the best shape possible. It's simply because we love it so much here.

It becomes heartbreaking to see when people don't respect our beach. This place is a home away from home, and to see people use it so carelessly breaks my heart. I absolutely love spending my summers here sitting on the beach and working.

Please respect the rules that have been put in place because they are there for a reason. Clean up after yourselves on the beach. Listen to the authority on the beach when they tell you something.

When everyone cooperates it makes the beaches and summer, in general, a lot more fun. As someone who lives down here all summer, I don't mind sharing my little piece of paradise with new people each week. Just remember that this is my home and I don't want to see it any more ruined than you would yours.