A Trampoline Safety Pad – a Worthwhile Investment
AUTHOR: Greg Solent
Trampolines are a popular sight in backyards across the United States, and there are many advantages to owning one. However, many researchers have concluded that trampolines are not safe for home or school use. Not everyone agrees with this determination, but one thing seems clear: if you do decide to purchase a backyard trampoline, safety should be your highest priority and concern. One accessory that can prevent injuries is a trampoline safety pad.
The concern over safety issues on trampolines centers around the fact that young children are the most often injured, and many of these injuries occurred even under direct adult supervision (which is the first rule of safety). These injuries were often in the mild to moderate range, consisting of bumps, bruises, and some fractures, with fractures being the most common.
Since the majority of these types of injuries took place while the child was actually on the trampoline, it makes sense to make the trampoline as safe as possible, and this is where a trampoline safety pad can be an asset.
Most of the injuries occurred because more than one child was jumping at a time, causing collisions. Children land improperly, or do stunts (which shouldn’t be encouraged at home), which causes them to fall off the trampoline or fall onto the springs or frame. While many of these incidents can be prevented by strict adult supervision, and adhering to some basic safety rules – for instance, only one child being allowed to jump at one time – proper safety equipment also plays a part, and this includes a well made enclosure and a trampoline safety pad.
What the trampoline safety pad does is provide a thick, padded covering for all the edges and springs of the trampoline. These are definitely the most likely areas for injuries to occur, so it is good common sense to protect these areas as much as possible. A trampoline safety pad is made of thick foam and is wide enough to provide good coverage of all the potentially dangerous areas on your trampoline.
The trampoline safety pad provides good shock absorption, and look for one to purchase that is made from high-density, closed-cell foam. You don’t want your pad to absorb water, become mildewed, or lose its shape. And be sure that the pad you buy meets all the ASTM safety standards.
You can expect to pay around $150 for your trampoline safety pad. This might seem like a lot of money on top of what you’ve already shelled out for the trampoline, but you really can’t put a price on your family’s health and safety.
If you want to enjoy the fun and health benefits of a trampoline, it just makes sense to ensure the safety of everyone who will be using it. A trampoline safety pad can give you peace of mind while your family jumps and bounces together.