Lending is safe depending on market conditions. If the price of bitcoin is falling people will only be delighted to "short" your bitcoin. (Getting at 2500$ returning at 2450$)
It is a great way to make a nice steady profit if your holding long.
I personally would prefer to short my own shares and maximize profit.
EDIT: Of course the opposite is always possible. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the volume of loans. If they are very cheap it is an indicator the price is going up.
indeed. in which case my bitcoin is going up in value as well, plus the small amount of interest im making adds to that. win/win. im definitely in this for the long haul :)