Lifeguards who have spent a summer overlooking a lake or beach notice an increase in the use of inflatable water loungers and hammocks. These products sit in a weird in-between space. Though the inflatable loungers and hammocks look like toys, they act as water furniture.
The main area of concern is the drift
Lifeguards say that the real risk with inflatable loungers has nothing to do with the product itself. What matters is the wind and the water current. A light inflatable surface on the water catches the wind more. Someone can get on the lounger to relax and doze off in about 20-30 minutes. They can find themselves farther from shore than they intended to. The lounger floats without the ‘swimming out’ feeling.
In real rescue situations, this happens exactly. The lounger doesn’t fail. It floats and drifts, and the rider is often unaware, as the movement is smooth.
Important supervision habits that matter
There are a few things lifeguards consistently mention as good practice. These habits are worth building.
- An inflatable water hammock should be within a reasonable swim-back distance.
- Before relaxing and unwinding on the hammock or the lounger, check the wind direction. There might be offshore wind, which is the biggest cause for unplanned drifting.
- Unless there is direct supervision, do not leave young kids or weak swimmers on the inflatable hammocks. It might not be that safe. Also, the toddlers may find it tough to stay balanced if the water is choppy.
- Try to tie off or anchor when you are near boat traffic or channels. A slow-drifting lounger or hammock can reach a high-vessel-traffic area before anyone notices.
- None of these problems is the product’s fault. This is how anything light and buoyant behaves in water. This difference is easy to underestimate.
Lifeguards don’t completely dislike inflatable water platforms
The majority of lifeguards are not entirely opposed to inflatable loungers or hammocks despite the drift concern. People on these platforms are visible and easy to spot during an emergency compared to those swimming or in the water. People on a platform tend to feel safe on water and panic less in case of an incident, as they have a base under them.
The age and supervision factor
Lifeguards are concerned that these inflatable products are used differently. For instance, adults use them as a stable, comfortable platform to relax and unwind on the water within sight of the group.
Kids and teenagers tend to push loungers or hammocks further out and hop between multiple floats. The floats are often tied to nothing at all. These situations often lead to accidents. The awareness and supervision around the floats are important. Sites like Furthercustoms.com offer high-quality inflatable platforms for people of all ages.
Final thoughts
Inflatable water loungers and hammocks are a nice way to relax on the water on a summer afternoon. However, you must be aware of the wind direction and where the floating platform is taking you. Remaining aware and cautious is the best way to enjoy these water platforms.