Barefoot Wine® and Surfrider Foundation Survey Reveals Beachgoer Trends From Coast to Coast

MODESTO, Calif., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The summer season is quickly approaching and that means Americans will soon flock to the beach.  To learn more about the habits of beachgoers, Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation commissioned a survey as part of the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, a partnership to keep America's beaches "barefoot-friendly."  Below is a summary of the survey's top findings:

#1: The Battle of the Beaches

Which U.S. coast has the best beaches?

It was a tight race between coasts for the best beach, but the East Coast claimed the overall victory (37%), edging out the West Coast (36%) and Gulf Coast (27%).  

Also, it seems that while the grass is always greener, the water is also always bluer!  Eighteen percent of East Coast residents said the West Coast has superior beaches, while one in ten (10%) West Coast beachgoers said the East Coast has better beaches.

#2: A 'C' for Cleanliness

What grade would you assign to the overall health of the nation's beaches?

Although many Americans enjoy spending warmer days at the beach, they are less than impressed with the overall beach quality.  When asked to grade the nation's coastlines, an overwhelming three-quarters (75%) of those surveyed gave U.S. beaches a grade of 'C' or lower.  Only 1% gave our beaches an 'A' grade.

#3: Bottles are Scarier than Sharks

Which of the following has ever kept you from swimming while at the beach?

There are real dangers out there for beachgoers, and it's not always fish with fangs!  When asked about the scariest beach threat that has kept them from swimming, more than one-third (37%) of all respondents say water pollution is more likely to keep swimmers ashore than a shark scare (33%).  

#4: Litter Remains a Beach Bane

What is the most common type of litter you see when visiting the beach?

Unfortunately, litter is as common a sight as lounge chairs and volleyballs while at the beach.  In fact, 98% of respondents have noticed litter while visiting the beach, the most common types being plastic bottles (33%), followed by cigarette butts (30%) and plastic bags (13%).

Additionally, 86% of beachgoers found littering to be the most offensive beach behavior, followed by playing loud music (48%), smoking (46%) or taking up too much space (37%).

#5: We're Trying to Help!

When at the beach, have you ever picked up trash that wasn't yours?

Despite litter being an ongoing nuisance at the beach, a majority of beachgoers are pitching in where they can.  More than three-quarters (78%) of Americans surveyed said that they have picked up someone else's trash while at the beach (22% have not).  

The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, now in its fourth year, is a partnership with the Surfrider Foundation - a grassroots, nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches.  Since 2007, the project has traveled from coast-to-coast hosting more than 35 beach cleanups, ecological educational tours and other events to help keep America's coastlines beautiful.  To learn more or to find out about an event near you, please visit www.BarefootBeachRescue.com.

The Barefoot Wine/Surfrider Foundation survey was conducted among 1,000 American beachgoers ages 21 and older.  The interviews were facilitated by Wakefield Research between 2/12/10 – 2/19/10.  Margin of error is +/- 3.1%.  For the complete survey results, please contact Marieke Bianchi, Hunter PR, [email protected] or (212) 679-6600.

Barefoot's award-winning California wines are attractively priced and can be found in bottles bearing the fun, iconic footprint label.  Barefoot's still wine portfolio ($7 for 750-ml bottles, $12 for 1.5-liter bottles) includes eleven unique offerings: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, Moscato, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Zinfandel.  Barefoot also offers five delicious sparkling wines: Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee, Extra Dry, Pinot Grigio, Moscato Spumante and Rose Cuvee. Barefoot Bubbly is the most awarded California Sparkling Wine under $20 in the US and retails for $10. For more information about Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, visit www.barefootwine.com.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org.

California Table Wine and Charmat Method California Sparkling Wine, ©2010 Barefoot Cellars, Modesto, CA. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Barefoot Wine