Beach-goers, especially kids, love digging in the sand. They bring their buckets and plastic shovels and get to work.

But the holes can cause problems. The most obvious one is that holes – of any size – left unattended can be a tripping hazard for anyone walking on the beach at night.

For that reason, digging big holes (more than one-foot deep) is prohibited in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. In addition, metal shovels are not allowed on beaches in either city, but you are welcome to enjoy your plastic beach toys.

There are actually three simple ways to enjoy a favorite activity while keeping it safe for everyone:

  • First, if you dig a hole, make it small. Knee-deep is a good guideline.
  • Second, be sure there is someone over 16 years of age attending the hole at all times. Never leave a hole unattended.
  • Never leave a hole overnight. Be sure to fill it back in before you leave the beach.

That’s easy enough, and it keeps someone from twisting an ankle or taking a fall by stepping into a hole on the beach later that night. It’s just common courtesy.