A safety message brought to you by GRAND Magazine
BY BILL SCHERMERHORN
For many families, a beach umbrella is as much a part of summer as sunscreen and sandcastles. It offers welcome shade from the hot sun and creates a comfortable gathering place for children, grandchildren, and friends. What many beachgoers don’t realize, though, is that an improperly secured umbrella can become a dangerous projectile when strong winds suddenly develop. Staying safe at the beach begins before you even pack the car.
Over the years, beach umbrellas have been responsible for thousands of emergency room visits and, tragically, even fatalities. These incidents serve as an important reminder that beach safety extends beyond swimming conditions and sun protection. Fortunately, there are simple steps every family can take to reduce the risk.
“Choose a beach umbrella with the ASTM compliance label on the product or packaging. Just as many families look for safety certifications when purchasing child car seats or bicycle helmets, beachgoers should begin looking for umbrellas labeled as meeting the ASTM safety standard. It gives consumers confidence that the umbrella-and-anchor system has been evaluated using standardized tests designed to reduce the risk of the umbrella becoming airborne.”
One of the biggest advances in beach safety is the introduction of the new safety standard, developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) in collaboration with engineers from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The standard recommends that properly installed beach umbrella and anchor systems provide at least 75 pounds of resistance (or weight), helping them stay securely anchored in winds of up to 30 mph.
Just as important as the umbrella itself is how it is installed. The anchor should be inserted to the proper depth in the sand according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An umbrella that isn’t buried deeply enough can begin to rock back and forth, gradually loosening until a strong gust lifts it into the air. Even a lightweight umbrella can become dangerous if blown across a crowded beach.
Safety experts recommend that rather than relying on makeshift methods, consumers should look for beach umbrellas that meet the new ASTM F3681 standard. These umbrella-and-anchor systems have undergone testing designed to simulate the upward lifting forces created by winds up to 30 mph. Even the safest umbrella, however, must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, with the anchor fully secured in the sand before opening the canopy. Choose a beach umbrella with the ASTM compliance label on the product or packaging. Just as many families look for safety certifications when purchasing child car seats or bicycle helmets, beachgoers should begin looking for umbrellas labeled as meeting the ASTM safety standard. It gives consumers confidence that the umbrella-and-anchor system has been evaluated using standardized tests designed to reduce the risk of the umbrella becoming airborne.
It’s also important to keep an eye on changing weather conditions. If winds begin to pick up, don’t wait for the umbrella to become unstable. Instead, lower it and remove it before conditions worsen. A few minutes without shade is a small inconvenience compared to the risk of injury and even death.
As grandparents, parents, and caregivers, we spend a great deal of time making sure our loved ones are safe around water. This summer, add beach umbrellas to that safety checklist. A few extra moments securing your umbrella can help ensure your family’s beach memories are made for all the right reasons.
