There's something uniquely Australian about a long, lazy day at the lake — the still morning water, the smell of sunscreen, and the sound of the kids working out who gets to jump in first. If you want to take those days from good to unforgettable, a floating water mat is the single best upgrade you can bring. But a lake is a very different environment to a backyard pool, and using a water mat on open water comes with its own set of considerations.
In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about choosing, anchoring, using and maintaining a floating water mat for lake adventures around Australia — so your mat stays put, stays safe, and stays in great shape for seasons to come.
Why a Water Mat Belongs on Every Lake Trip
Unlike a pool, a lake gives you space to spread out. A floating water mat becomes a floating island where the whole family can gather — a spot to sunbake, a launchpad for jumping, a rest stop between swims, and a safe base for younger swimmers to hold onto. Because most quality mats are made from closed-cell foam, they float dozens of people's weight without ever going flat, and they won't sink even if punctured.
For lake settings specifically, a water mat solves a common problem: there's often nowhere to stand or rest once you're away from the shallows. A mat gives you that stable platform in the middle of deep water, which makes it a genuine safety asset as much as a fun one.
Choosing the Right Water Mat for Lake Use
Not all mats are created equal, and lake conditions reward a bit of thought before you buy. Here's what to prioritise.
Size and Capacity
Lakes give you room, so it's worth going bigger than you might for a pool. A larger mat holds more people and rides chop more stably. Think about how many family members and friends will typically use it at once, then add a little buffer. Browse the full range of sizes in the Crocpad floating water mats collection to find the right fit.
Durability and Foam Quality
Lakebeds can hide rocks, submerged branches and sharp debris, and mats sometimes get dragged over gravelly shorelines. Look for tear-resistant, UV-stable foam that won't degrade under the harsh Australian sun. Quality closed-cell foam also resists water absorption, so your mat stays light and buoyant trip after trip.
Anchoring Points
This is the big one for lakes. Unlike a pool, open water has currents and wind that will happily float your mat halfway across the bay if it isn't secured. A mat with dedicated tie-down or anchor points (often built-in D-rings or reinforced eyelets) makes it far easier to keep in position.
How to Anchor a Water Mat on a Lake
Anchoring properly is the difference between a relaxing day and constantly swimming after a runaway mat. Here's how to do it well:
- Use a proper anchor. A dedicated water anchor, a sandbag, or a mushroom anchor with enough weight for the conditions will hold your mat in place. In deeper lakes, you'll need more rope and a heavier anchor.
- Allow scope in your rope. Don't anchor with a rope that's the exact depth of the water. Allow extra length (roughly two to three times the depth) so the anchor sits at an angle and grips the bottom rather than pulling straight up.
- Anchor from a corner or edge point. Attaching from a reinforced corner keeps the mat oriented into the wind and reduces strain.
- Check for boat traffic. Position your mat away from boat ramps, ski lanes and channels. Where wake boats operate, keep well clear.
- Consider a swim line. A rope from the mat back to shore (or your boat) makes it easy to reel younger kids in and gives everyone a clear path to safety.
Lake Safety Essentials
Open water demands more respect than a backyard pool. A floating water mat is a fantastic tool, but it never replaces supervision or swimming ability. Keep these points front of mind:
- Never treat the mat as a flotation device for non-swimmers. Weak swimmers and young children should always wear a properly fitted life jacket in open water.
- Watch the wind. Even an anchored mat can drift if a line fails. Offshore winds are especially risky because they push floaters away from shore — if the breeze picks up, bring everyone in.
- Mind the depth. Never let anyone dive or jump off the mat unless you know the water below is deep and clear of obstacles.
- Keep a headcount. Assign an adult "water watcher" whose only job is supervising, especially in murky lake water where a person underwater is harder to spot.
- Sun protection matters. Reflected light off the water intensifies UV. Reapply sunscreen, wear rash vests, and take shade breaks.
Getting Your Mat to the Lake
One underrated advantage of a foam water mat is portability. Most roll up compactly and come with straps, so they fit in a boot or on a roof rack without the pump and hassle of an inflatable. When you arrive, unrolling and floating your mat takes seconds — no huffing and puffing on the shoreline while the kids get impatient.
If you're travelling to a remote lake, it's worth doing a quick check of your gear the night before: mat, anchor, ropes, life jackets, and a repair patch just in case. A little preparation means more time in the water and less time troubleshooting.
Cleaning and Storing Your Water Mat After a Lake Day
Lake water often carries more silt, algae and organic matter than a chlorinated pool, so a good clean after each trip keeps your mat fresh and extends its life.
- Rinse thoroughly. Hose down both sides with fresh water to remove mud, sand and any lake residue.
- Spot-clean stains. A soft brush with mild soapy water lifts stubborn marks. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the foam.
- Dry completely. Let the mat dry fully before rolling it up to prevent mould and mildew — particularly important with organic lake matter.
- Store out of the sun. Roll it loosely and keep it in a cool, shaded spot. Prolonged UV exposure during storage ages the material unnecessarily.
Make the Most of Your Lake Days
A floating water mat turns an ordinary lake outing into a full-day destination. It gives everyone a place to gather, play and rest, and it works just as well on rivers, dams and calm bays. Pair it with the right anchor, sensible safety habits, and a quick post-trip clean, and you'll get years of memories out of a single mat.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Explore the full Crocpad floating water mats range and check out our other outdoor and water gear to kit out the whole family for an unbeatable Aussie summer on the water.
