Anchor Works is honored to be in Washington, D.C., this week to participate in the Congressional Stakeholders Summit, where we join an esteemed coalition to advocate for beach umbrella safety standards. This gathering brings together safety advocates, legislators, industry experts, and manufacturers to address a pressing issue: the safety risks posed by wind-blown beach umbrellas.
Each year, an estimated 3,000 emergency room visits are attributed to beach umbrella-related injuries, with at least two fatalities on record (CPSC). These incidents underscore the need for stringent safety measures, particularly given the prevalence of cheap, disposable umbrellas lacking effective anchoring solutions.
Since 2019, U.S. Senators Warner and Kaine have championed this cause. By urging the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to increase safety protocols, they laid the foundation for ASTM F3681-24, the first voluntary standard specifically aimed at securing beach umbrellas. Under this standard, compliant beach umbrella-anchor systems must withstand a minimum of 75 pounds of resistance or remain secure in winds up to 30 mph. After our recent wind tunnel testing, Anchor Works is proud to confirm that our products meet and exceed these requirements, supporting the community’s need for safe beach experiences.
Anchor Works joins this summit to advocate for the adoption of ASTM F3681-24 as a federal mandate, emphasizing the critical importance of safer beach gear. While East Coast municipalities are beginning to adopt these standards, we believe a federal law will further protect beachgoers across the country. Our participation here reinforces our commitment to innovation, safety, and consumer protection, and we look forward to representing our constituents and collaborating with the coalition and lawmakers to prevent preventable injuries at the beach.
