Who doesn’t enjoy the shade and UV protection that an umbrella provides on a hot sunny day? But have you considered how that umbrella is anchored into the ground or its base, especially when the winds pick up?
Case in point on June 25, 2025, a female lifeguard at Asbury Park, New Jersey, was impaled through her armpit, exiting through her back, when the umbrella on her stand was caught by a wind gust. The victim tried to catch the umbrella but fell off the stand onto the pointed end of the umbrella and sustained the traumatic injury.1 Thankfully, the lifeguard is okay albeit with quite the story to tell. Others have not been as fortunate.
Serious injuries and fatalities involving shade umbrellas2 have prompted the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to issue ASTM F3681-24 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Beach Umbrellas and Anchor Devices. The voluntary safety standard establishes performance requirements for beach umbrella/anchor systems to prevent same from detaching from the sand. The test methods in this standard are to be used by manufacturers for the evaluation of beach umbrella/anchor systems to determine the suitability of same in a use environment under various wind conditions. Among meeting other requirements, compliant products must provide a resisting force of at least 75 pounds or must remain secure at wind speeds of up to 30 mph, when anchored in sand.
So why is a manufacturer focused beach umbrella standard being highlighted by the Delaware Valley Trusts? Many members operate aquatic facilities as well as other venues providing shade umbrellas for use by patrons or members may allow patrons to bring their own umbrellas into public venues. These umbrellas may be similar to beach umbrellas. Regardless of whether the umbrella has a pointed or rounded base, both present a potential impalement hazard should they become airborne.
Given the existence of this industry standard, it is recommended that DVT members proactively assess their shade umbrellas and corresponding anchor systems. Don’t overlook the umbrellas used on aquatic center lifeguard stands. If aquatic facilities or other public venues feature PVC pipe sleeve umbrella “anchors”, assess how these pipes have been installed into the ground. When assessing your equipment, consider:
- Are pipe bases dug into the ground and back filled with dirt or concrete?
- Is there a system to secure the umbrella into that piping (locking pin or thumb screw
- ). A double, redundant thumb screw system is the preferred method to secure umbrellas into bases.
- Will the anchor offer a resisting force of 75 pounds and remain secure in wind speeds of up to 30 mph?
- Is there a policy or procedure for using umbrellas during periods of strong wind?
While the ASTM standard is beach umbrella specific (at this time) there is strong likelihood that this standard will apply to all umbrellas and anchor systems moving forward. Accordingly, when replacing or upgrading shade umbrellas and anchors, consider selecting products labeled with: “MEETS ASTM F3681 FOR WIND SPEEDS UP TO 30 MPH.”
Public entities can ensure that a relaxing day poolside does not end in tragedy by offering employees and patrons shade umbrellas and anchoring systems that meet or exceed industry standards. DVT members with questions on umbrella safety should contact the Risk Control Department (215-706-0101) or email their lead risk control consultant.
Sources:
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Radel, Dan, et al. “Lifeguard, Swimmer Impaled in Two Freak Accidents on N.J. Beaches.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 26 June 2025, www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/26/lifeguard-swimmer-impaled-new-jersey-shore-beach/84366520007/.
- “Woman Dies after Being Impaled by Flying Beach Umbrella in South Carolina.” NBC 6 South Florida, NBC 6 South Florida, 12 Aug. 2022, www.nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/woman-dies-after-being-impaled-by-flying-beach-umbrella-in-south-carolina/2834256/#:~:text=Published%20August%2012%2C%202022%20%E2%80%A2,2022%20at%2011:16%20am&text=FILE%20PHOTO%20%2D%20Beach%20umbrellas%20have,by%20an%20umbrella%20in%202016.