The Controversy Over Trampoline Safety Nets

You would feel more at ease having trampolineyoung users. Critics claim though that they can
safety nets. The term itself gives the impressionalso create a false sense of security among
of genuine security. You should know though thatparents. Indeed, having a reliable net to catch
not everyone agrees that using nets is a goodstray jumpers may make some parents less
idea. Before you buy one, you need to be awarewatchful. Experts stress though that accidents
of the issues surrounding it.other than falls can still happen because of
What They Dounsupervised trampoline use.
Nets are placed around trampolines. Once put up,There are some activities kids engage in when
they create the image of a play pen enclosure.they are not watched. They can for example get
These nets are intended to prevent accidentalon the trampoline in groups. This can lead to them
falls by users. They are therefore especially usefulbumping against each other on air or as they land.
when you have very young or small jumpers.Individual users can also additionally engage in
Because they enclose a jumping mat, they alsoadvanced jumps or flips that may be dangerous
serve as a reminder to users where the centerjust because they think that a net can keep them
of a mat should be.safe. Experts note that injuries from trampoline
Nets can be used together with safety pads.use are usually attributed to causes that are not
These pads go around the frame and springs of adue to falling from trampolines.
trampoline. They prevent injuries from accidentallyIn other words, nets can make parents and kids
hitting the frame or getting toes and fingerscomplacent. This should not be the case though.
pinched by the springs. Nets can go around theNets can and do offer protection but no one
safety pads. Many safety experts suggest thoughshould trust everything to a safety net. Parents
that nets should go around the inner portion ofshould continue to monitor trampoline use. Young
the frame and pads.kids should also be periodically reminded of what is
There are different net sizes to choose from.safe to do on a trampoline. First time jumpers
Some manufacturers claim that they have netsshould at least be taught the fundamentals of
that will fit every standard trampoline design andsafe jumping. Toddlers too should not be allowed
size. As an extra precaution though, you shouldto jump with bigger kids. They may be better off
measure your trampoline and refer back to theon mini trampolines with handle bars.
net manufacturer to make sure you have aIt is not entirely fair to discount the value of
perfect fit. Check if a company has a good returntrampoline safety nets. There is no doubt that
policy in case your net does not fit.they have been a lot of help to some parents
Why Some Objectand kids. You should always remember though to
Not everyone is happy about trampoline safetycontinue to be vigilant even when you have them
nets. It is true that they can offer protection toaround.