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Step 1
Select a water mattress. Some people call them floaties, and they are available seasonally at almost every major discount store, as well as specialty stores that carry water sporting goods or pool supplies. Both inflatable loungers and non-inflatable loungers will work.
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Step 2
Look for an anchor. This doesn't have to be a traditional nautical anchor. A brick with holes in it, a steel plate, or any heavy object that sinks will do.
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Step 3
Loop a heavy rope through a hole in your anchor. Use a tight knot, such as a bowline knot, so that your mattress doesn't detach from the anchor.
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Step 4
Load your mattress or floatie. Get in the water when you do this. It is helpful to have another person on the dock to hold the anchor while you get yourself situated. Set the anchoring object on your water mattress and paddle out to the area where you want to stay.
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Step 5
Gauge how deep the water is in the area you want to float in. Ideally, the anchor should go to the bottom, and you will want a few extra feet so the float has some mobility. Drop the anchor. Be sure to hold on to the end of the rope.
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Step 6
Loop and tie. Weave the rope through a loop, hole or handle on your float and drop the anchor into the water. If you're with a group of fellow floaters, weave the anchor rope through a loop, hole or handle on each persons' mattress. Secure the rope to the last floatie and cast your anchor.
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Step 7
Enjoy your drift-free time in the water.
