Trampolines are fun, there is hardly a doubt about it. What about those with net enclosures? Some people think of it as a burden that takes the joy out of it. Then why do people put nets around trampolines? It’s not even a personal need anymore since most trampolines come with a net enclosure anyway.
As fun as trampolines are, it doesn’t let us ignore the fact that they are also safety hazards, especially for kids aged 12 and under. According to NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System), About 100,000 trampoline injuries are treated in US hospitals each year, and about 85% of those are children.
Even as adults, there are chances of slipping and falling off the trampoline if you aren’t trained.
The New York Yankee Pitcher Joba Chamberlain once suffered a severe injury to his ankle while having fun with his son at a Jump Center in Tampa, Florida. Trampoline-related injuries are countless. So, the question would be; why don’t people put nets around trampolines?
What Is a Trampoline Safety Net?
It’s a safety net, aka a safety enclosure for trampolines. As an important accessory of a trampoline, it prevents accidents from falling off it and injuries from falling on the frame.
The safety net itself is made with zinc tubes as the base, and the wires are woven with a strong synthetic polymer. These can be found in any shape or size. And fortunately, these are easy to find everywhere.
What I love about it is its durability. They are extremely reliable at what they do i.e., catching objects. In this case, it’s saving people from getting severely hurt.
Degree of Risk Faced on a Trampoline
As you read above that the number of trampoline injuries is big enough to make you worry. According to health experts, trampolines are a health hazard.
Dr. Velimir Petkov, a podiatrist based in New Jersey, confirmed the reports stating that ankle sprains are the number one issue for patients with trampoline-related injuries. He also added that there are cases of surgeries where the patient suffered tears and fractures.
The worst thing about the injuries is that they can take up to 2 months to heal. You can’t move freely inside this 6-8 weeks period.
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and Orthopedic Surgeons have warned the families of the potential harm of taking care of the trampoline and you.
Despite everything, trampoline sales haven’t decreased. But rather, it continued to rise and is expected to rise even more.
Do Safety Net Enclosures Work?
With all things considered, experts have decided to endorse the use of nets to minimize the damage as much as possible. Dr. Amir El Shami agrees that netting helps to prevent ER admissions as it reduces the chances of falling off of the trampoline during bouncing.
He also added that putting nets around trampolines also makes people complacent and careless about their movements inside the enclosure.
Dr. Petkov also agreed with the notion that netting will help protect the young ones from falling off. But he also added that it’s still possible to get injured on the trampoline.
Benefits of Netting on Trampolines
As the experts have pointed out, trampolines are a source of danger to your kids as well as adults. But using nets to surround the trampoline will certainly reduce the occurrence of ER visits. Here is how you can benefit from netting.
- The children can pass their learning phase inside the enclosure and learn without getting hurt.
- It can also help to prevent accidents from hitting the trampoline frame after losing balance.
- A bit of relaxation for the adults. While we encourage supervision at all times, with netting, you could rest for a while as the kids bounce around safely inside the enclosure
Being Careful Even with an Enclosure
It’s not about just installing a net enclosure and letting it roll. Even after installing netting, you need to be vigilant. A 9-year-old boy got injured because the netting wasn’t closed after he got on the trampoline. That was because the supervisory adult became complacent.
When you install a net enclosure, you’re only preventing the worst by falling off onto the ground. But it can’t help you control what happens inside. If you’re a parent or a young adult, please make sure to learn proper bouncing techniques.
Sometimes, even the netting could complicate things. For example, you can get stuck if the net has a hole in it. Your piercings could get stuck if you hit the enclosure too hard.
Don’t take things onto the trampoline mat that can hurt you. Use a different set of clothes with no pockets (so that you don’t have anything on you).
You must choose a good trampoline net enclosure. If it can’t serve its purpose, why spend money on it?
Should You Buy a Separate Enclosure or Buy a Trampoline with an Enclosure?
If you already have a trampoline and don’t have an enclosure, you’re not part of this discussion. You need to buy a separate enclosure. And you might be all the better for it.
Why? Well, it’s the norm that an aftermarket solution is always the better one compared to the OEM.
Does that mean we encourage buying a trampoline without an enclosure and then buying a separate enclosure? No, if you get a good deal on a trampoline with an enclosure, take advantage of it.
When it breaks, you can buy a new one to replace it. You may not even need to buy another if you’re lucky. It’s all about making the best out of your money.
Final Words
I think you now know why people put nets around trampolines. Enclosures are a great investment toward the safety of your family. If you want to see an Olympic gymnast grow in your backyard, you need to give them a safe space on the trampoline. So, take all the precautions you can to ensure the safety of you and your family.
Last Updated on February 23, 2023
