Beachgoers hoping to soak in a peaceful ocean view are running into a new — and infuriating — obstacle: floating billboards. A recent viral Reddit post shows a barge cruising along the shoreline with a massive advertisement plastered to its side, blocking the horizon and sparking outrage among beach lovers.

"Is no place sacred?" one commenter asked, summing up the growing frustration over this latest intrusion of advertising into public spaces.

(Click here if the embed does not appear)

In the now-viral photo, a flat-deck barge carrying a billboard the size of a small building glides slowly past swimmers and sunbathers, turning an otherwise pristine stretch of ocean into a moving commercial.

These "ad boats" are legal in many coastal cities, where companies rent them to display everything from fast food ads to political messages. While the practice has existed for years, the social media uproar shows a growing backlash as people push back against the commercialization of public spaces once thought to be safe from marketing clutter.

Aside from ruining the scenery, these barges burn fuel as they circle popular beaches, adding to air and water pollution.

Environmental advocates warn that noise and exhaust from the engines can disturb marine wildlife, including dolphins and seabirds, which are already under pressure from warming waters and shrinking habitats. It's another reminder that human activity — even something as seemingly harmless as an ad campaign — can have ripple effects on ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them.

Some cities, such as Miami and San Diego, have started to restrict floating ads, citing environmental and aesthetic concerns. Activists are calling for broader bans and tighter emissions standards for boats operating near shorelines. 

The post quickly turned into a running commentary on the commercialization of every last public space.

One Redditor wrote: "I make a concerted effort to boycott any brands that advertise this way."

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely 👍 Only in some areas ☝️ No way 👎 I'm not sure 🤷 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"Nothing could make me boycott a product for life more effectively than one of those," another user added. 

The consensus? Whether for aesthetics, the environment, or sheer peace of mind, most viewers agreed these floating ads should stay far away from the shore.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.