Hammocks are a great source of rest and relaxation. However, because they bring such calm to our lives we often neglect the ways hammocks can be injurious, even dangerous. Following are a number of precautions that should be taken while using them.
Be sure your hammock is secure. Only hang your hammock on a sound hammock stand or between two well established posts or trees. Check that the hanging equipment is in good condition and that both ends are attached properly. All this may sound obvious, but sometimes in the eagerness of setup, people get careless about these basic steps. Lying in a hammock that collapses suddenly can not only hurt, but can result in more serious bodily harm.
Check hammock stretch. A hammock not taut enough when suspended results in a sagging bed, forcing excessive curvature (lying on one's back) or extension (lying on one's stomach) of the spine. Resting in these positions even for only an hour can produce back pain later, as back muscles readjust to healthier alignment. Read the hammock manufacturer's instructions carefully regarding how to hang your product properly. Contact the manufacturer if directions about hanging tension are absent or not clear.
Give your hammock plenty of space. You may have seen Internet or magazine photographs of beautiful hammocks set up outside, next to steep drops such as the edge of a pool. As appealing as these images may appear, such arrangements represent a dangerous hazard for those getting out of the hammock, particularly if they are sleepy after a nap. Always position your outside hammock with plenty of firm ground around it.
Exercise patience when getting in and out of a hammock. Climbing into a hammock safely is a matter of balance. Without taking care to sit gently into the center before lifting your legs into it, you could end up on the ground or floor. Get out of a hammock using the same approach in reverse: swing your legs over, onto the ground/floor then stand from a sitting position.
Watch out for how children play in and around hammocks! DISCOURAGE
jumping into a hammock;
running around an empty hammock: a child could slip and fall into a swinging bed and then be flipped onto the ground or floor; and
"horsing around" when two or more children are in a hammock. Their motions could sway the hammock, resulting in a fall. Also, of note: during play, small arms and legs can get tangled in rope hammocks. (These hammocks pose no hazard if used properly.)
Safety also depends on a hammock's condition. Before hanging your hammock, examine it for any signs of deterioration. Note that rope and fabric cotton hammocks tend to rot and mildew faster than those made of synthetic materials. With proper care and use, a good quality product can provide many years of service. Be sure to dry out your hammock frequently to retard any damage from rain or humidity. When it is not in use, store it dry, in a bag or box to protect it from nibbling animals.
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