Hospitality-Grade Beach Umbrella Safety Starts Here

Hospitality-Grade Beach Umbrella Safety Starts Here

As proud AHLA Allied Members, we’re helping hospitality operators raise the bar on beachfront safety—with solutions that are wind-tested, standards-compliant, and built to last.

The Liability Is Real—And Rising

Each year, over 3,000 injuries in the U.S. are caused by flying beach umbrellas. Some are minor. Others make headlines. Nearly all are preventable.

For beachfront hotels, vacation rentals, and resort operators, these aren’t just freak accidents—they’re operational risks. The kind that can lead to lawsuits, shaken guest confidence, and long-term brand damage.

That’s why we joined AHLA as an Allied Member—to be part of the solution and help hospitality decision-makers understand what’s changing, and what to do about it.

The First True Standard for Beach Umbrella Safety

In 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) introduced ASTM F3681-24, the first true performance standard for residential and commercial beach umbrellas.

The benchmark? A minimum 30 MPH wind resistance, measured via pull-force testing in sand.

Most setups on the market don’t meet it. Many haven’t even tried.

But as this standard gains traction with insurance providers, legal teams, and municipal beach programs, properties that operate umbrellas for guests will need to align with best practices—or risk being left behind.

Why Most Beach Umbrella Setups Still Fail

Despite the rise in injuries, most beach umbrellas sold (and rented) today are built the same way they were 30 years ago.

What goes wrong:

·       Umbrellas are secured with generic screw anchors—or nothing at all

·       No wind testing or compliance documentation

·       Weak materials not designed for daily use in salt, sand, and sun

·       Accepting flying umbrellas as "normal"—until it's not and another ‘freak’ accident occurs. Just because it's common, doesn’t mean it’s normal.

What Hospitality Needs in 2025 and Beyond

Beachfront operations need more than a product. They need a system—one that balances safety, performance, and ease of use for staff and guests alike.

Here’s what a hospitality-grade umbrella system must deliver:

·       ✔️ Tested performance at 30+ MPH winds

·       ✔️ ASTM F3681-24 compliance

·       ✔️ Durable components that withstand salt, sun, and repeat use

·       ✔️ Reliable anchoring that doesn’t give out mid-shift

·       ✔️ Streamlined for setup and removal by staff

·       ✔️ Minimized risk, maximized peace of mind

The Anchor Works Difference

We’re not just a beach gear company. We’re builders, problem-solvers, and coastal safety advocates—born from firsthand experience.

AnchorONE, our patented anchoring system, was designed from the ground up to solve the biggest pain points in beach setup and safety:

·       🌬 Our consumer model (MarketStyle) was wind-tested up to 44MPH at the A2 Wind Tunnel in North Carolina

·       🏗️ Our 16” commercial prototype, paired with a steel/wood 8ft commercial umbrella, held up to 38MPH in wind tunnel testing

·       ✅ Fully compliant with ASTM F3681-24

·       🧱 Built for tough environments and high-volume use

Anchor Works was founded by Derek Conlon Sr., a retired NYC union construction worker with decades of hands-on building experience. We don’t just make products—we solve problems that should’ve been fixed a long time ago.

Why This Matters to AHLA Members

AHLA represents hospitality brands who prioritize safety, comfort, and guest experience. Anchor Works shares that mission—just with a sharper focus on the coastline.

Our Allied Membership is more than a badge—it’s a commitment to helping your operations succeed. We’re here to help properties of all sizes transition from “how it’s always been done” to “how it should be done.”

AHLA has shown real leadership by recognizing the importance of beach safety and advocating for higher standards. We commend them for being a forward-thinking organization that looks out for both its members and their guests.

Let’s Talk Hospitality

Whether you manage five umbrellas or five hundred, safety and performance matter. And so does the gear you trust to deliver both.

If you are interested in our hospitality and commercial solutions, please contact:
📩 aconlon@shopanchorworks.com