This morning at 9:30 a.m., a lifeguard was impaled by a beach umbrella at Asbury Park Beach, NJ. Details around the incident are scarce, but here’s what we do know according to major news sources: this accident was gruesome. She was securing her umbrella to the lifeguard chair/stand when a gust of wind came. She tried to grab it and it pretty much pulled her with it causing her to fall backwards off the stand. The umbrella came down after her and entered her left shoulder and pierced so deep it exited through her back—nearly a foot. She was conscious and alert when paramedics arrived. They had to saw the umbrella off to transport her to the hospital. She's expected to recover, thank God. We’re wishing her a full and speedy recovery.
Although we're not here to speculate, what we do know is this: over 3,000 beach umbrella-related injuries are reported annually, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. And almost all are wind related.
When the wind catches a beach umbrella, it doesn’t take much for it to become a dangerous weapon. The bigger problem? We’ve been conditioned to brush this off—as if it’s just part of the beach experience. But here’s our perspective: just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal, or acceptable. This has been an ongoing issue for decades.
In 2024, the CPSC issued a voluntary beach umbrella safety standard (ASTM F3681-24), requiring at least 75lbs of base weight or 30+ mph wind resistance for an umbrella to be considered safe. Anchor Works meets—and exceeds—that standard. Most brands, even well-known ones, don’t.
That’s exactly why we created Anchor Works.
We’ve been at this for five years now. Actively involved in setting those very ASTM standards. Our goal has always been to educate, raise awareness, offer a real solution—and ultimately prevent outcomes like this.
We’re not here to sell fear or capitalize on tragedy. We just believe this: the more Anchor Works systems on the beach, the fewer wind-related umbrella accidents we’ll see. People deserve better—safer, stronger, and more reliable gear. No more gruesome injuries that can impact everyday life. No more hospital visits.
As summer begins, let this serve as a reminder: even light winds can turn your shade into a serious danger.
Visit our storefront to shop the AnchorONE Classic Beach Umbrella System. It’s a game-changer. And as corny as it may sound—let’s make the beach a safer place for yourself and others. Let’s be part of the solution.
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