Safety is one of the most important things to take into consideration when choosing an outdoor trampoline. Notably, a safety net, or safety enclosure, is the most common safety measure available for most trampolines. According to CBS News, trampolines with a safety net are up to 50 percent safer than those without one. With that in mind, you want to pay attention to safety net inclusion when shopping for a safe trampoline (see our review of the SkyWalker 9′ x 15′ Rectangle Trampoline). Remember that some trampolines come with a safety net and others don’t, even though the latter can still be fitted with one (learn how to put a safety net on a trampoline). It’s a good thing that the net can easily be added to any standard outdoor trampoline for an affordable cost in most cases.
Hidden Dangers of Trampolines
Hidden Dangers of TrampolinesSo what are the potential dangers involved in jumping on a trampoline? Well, there are many including; those as mild as a bruise or sprain, or as severe as dislocated joints, broken bones, head injuries, or even paralysis. However, it is strains, contusions, and sprains that are most commonly reported.
According to NBC News statistics, trampolines cause about 100,000 injuries every year. The scariest part is that some injuries will lead to permanent neurological damage, affecting the brain and the nerves found in the spinal cord and throughout the human body. This is why it is important to ensure you make trampoline safety a priority at all times.
How a Safety Net Ensures Safety In a Standard Outdoor Trampoline
Even though experts recommend using trampolines one person at a time to ensure maximum safety and minimum chances of injury, it’s more fun to enjoy a trampoline together with many other jumpers as opposed to yourself alone. And with more fun comes a higher safety risk unless a safety enclosure is in place. If you’re interested, take a look at our list of the best trampolines for safety.
What Is a Trampoline Safety Net?
A trampoline safety net is an enclosure designed to keep jumpers from accidentally falling off a trampoline or hitting against the frame. Consisting of a few padded metal tubes and a quality synthetic material that is woven thick to ensure strength and durability, this is the most common way to ensure safety for a trampoline. While they do add a little overhead and maintenance to your trampoline, it is usually a simple task to anchor your trampoline to account for the additional wind resistance.
How Trampoline Safety Enclosures Work to Prevent Accidents
How Trampoline Safety Enclosures Work to Prevent AccidentsTrampoline safety enclosures work in various ways, some of which are explained as follows, to ensure safety for jumpers:
i. First, the nets prevent jumpers from falling off the trampoline. Sometimes, an errant jump can send jumpers over the side of the trampoline. This can result in injuries to the ankles, or even worse, the head and neck. A trampoline safety enclosure is an excellent way to prevent this kind of accident.
ii. Secondly, trampoline safety enclosures encourage jumpers to spread out as they jump since it assures them a comfy barrier that will prevent them from accidentally falling to the ground when jumping too far away from the center of the equipment. That not only prevents potential injuries related to falling off to the ground, but it also reduces the chances of jumpers colliding with each other and getting injured in the process.
iii. Third, trampoline safety nets help prevent potential injuries involved in sliding against the netting by offering protection to jumpers against accidental bruises and burns. That’s because they are made from strong and soft synthetic UV resistant material that will cushion jumpers’ skins against these.
Final Thoughts
Trampolines can be a fun way to spend your leisure time in the yard or exercise. However, this equipment is not without one major setback —it poses several safety risks(both minor and severe) to jumpers. For instance, jumpers can sustain bruises, sprains, dislocated joints, broken bones, head injuries, or even paralysis, if used incorrectly.
However, with a safety net in place, the risks posed by a trampoline drop dramatically. That’s why you are advised to have one around your trampoline whenever you are jumping on it. The net will prevent you from accidentally falling off the equipment, colliding with other jumpers, or bruising and/or burning your skin. If you can’t find a trampoline with a safety enclosure, you could easily add one to a trampoline for a safer jumping experience.
Read more at Trampolines Reviewed
