Your ball finds sand and your buddy finds a reason to call a penalty. Bunker rules are easier than the group chat makes them sound.
What is allowed in a bunker?
You can generally remove loose impediments, including leaves and stones, under Rule 15.1. You may also touch sand in many situations, such as leaning on a club to rest or prevent a fall, as long as you're not doing something prohibited.
What gets you in trouble?
Before playing the ball, do not deliberately touch the sand with a hand, club, rake, or other object to test its condition. Do not touch the sand with your club immediately in front of or behind the ball, during a practice swing, or in your backswing for the stroke.
What if your ball is unplayable?
Rule 19.3 provides unplayable-ball relief options in a bunker. Most options involve one penalty stroke and staying in the bunker. Back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker is available for two penalty strokes.
Fore Alarm takeaway: Learn the rules, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the round. Golf is serious. We're not.
Official rule reference: Rules of Golf.
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