I did some more online research since posting this and just about everything points to me being correct in this situation.
It seems the general consensus is that it's fine as long as they're not used to test the conditions of the hazard.
http://www.bunkersparadise.com/40503/placing-clubs-or-a-rake-in-hazard-i-kates-school-of-rules/
13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions
Except as provided in the Rules, before making a stroke at a ball that is in a hazard (whether a bunker or a water hazard) or that, having been lifted from a hazard, may be dropped or placed in the hazard, the player must not:
a. Test the condition of the hazard or any similar hazard;
b. Touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard with his hand or a club; or
c. Touch or move a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard.