Trampoline parks are making the shift from foam pits to airbags to enhance safety, secure better insurance coverage, and streamline compliance. Insights from Charlie Holderness from Marsh McLennan Agency reveal why insurers increasingly prefer this smarter, more reliable solution for reducing risks and liability.
Safety First: The Case for Airbags
When it comes to trampoline parks and extreme sports facilities, safety is paramount. With the growing number of visitors engaging in high-adrenaline activities, the industry must continually innovate to reduce injury risks and improve compliance with insurance and regulatory standards. While foam pits have long been the standard, insurance providers are taking notice of a safer alternative.
To stay ahead of the latest industry developments, BigAirBag invited Charlie Holderness from Marsh McLennan Insurance Agency to present an informational session on insurance costs, specifically comparing airbags and foam pits. According to Holderness, airbags are rapidly becoming the preferred choice over traditional foam pits due to their lower liability risks and compliance advantages. Recent insights from insurance specialists reveal that airbags not only enhance safety and operational transparency but also improve cost efficiency, making them a smarter investment for park operators looking to future-proof their facilities
The Insurance Perspective: Why Airbags Are Recommended
According to insurance specialists, airbags present a clear advantage in terms of injury claims and liability management. Unlike foam pits, where it is difficult to prove whether an individual hit the bottom, airbags provide undeniable video evidence of proper inflation and performance. This transparency significantly reduces ambiguity in claims, leading to fewer disputes and better risk management.
In contrast, claims involving foam pits often revolve around the injured party alleging they hit the bottom, yet proving this can be nearly impossible. Videos of foam pit incidents only show the jumper entering the pit, making it difficult to assess the true cause of injury. With airbags, the situation is straightforward: the bag is either inflated and functional, or it isn’t. This clarity is a game-changer for operators looking to protect themselves from costly claims.
Reducing Insurance Costs with Airbags
One of the key concerns for facility owners is insurance cost management. Both airbags and foam pits typically have a deductible, but airbags offer a significantly lower risk profile compared to foam pits. Parks using high-quality airbags with built-in monitoring and alarm systems can secure better insurance terms, reducing financial exposure in the long run.
Moreover, insurers emphasize the importance of working with reputable manufacturers that comply with ASTM safety standards. Though compliance does not necessarily bring direct premium discounts, failing to meet these standards can lead to limited coverage options or punitive pricing. BigAirBag systems are designed to meet or exceed these safety benchmarks, ensuring operators receive the best possible insurance terms while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Compliance and Inspections: Airbags vs. Foam Pits
Insurance carriers conduct regular inspections to ensure facilities maintain safe operating conditions. The depth, design, and installation quality of airbags and foam pits are primary considerations. However, airbags generally offer a more straightforward compliance process since their functionality is easier to verify than that of foam pits, which require deeper scrutiny and frequent maintenance.
Additionally, maintaining a safe park involves more than just choosing the right equipment. Operators must implement robust safety protocols, including staff training, daily inspections, and detailed incident documentation. These measures, coupled with state-of-the-art safety equipment like BigAirBag systems, create a strong defense against liability claims and insurance complications.
Key practices and safety measures:
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Daily Inspection Protocol
Conduct thorough daily inspections of all equipment, including airbags, trampolines, and blower systems. Check for wear and tear, ensure proper air pressure levels, and verify that alarms and safety systems are functioning correctly. -
Injured Party Removal Procedures (Inflate vs. Deflate)
Establish clear procedures for safely removing injured guests. Depending on the situation, keeping the airbag inflated may provide better support, while controlled deflation can allow for safer access in more serious cases. -
Blower Adequacy & Alarm Monitoring
Ensure blowers are powerful and reliable enough to maintain consistent air pressure. Use our alarm systems that provide real-time alerts for pressure loss or malfunctions, enabling staff to respond quickly and prevent accidents. -
Compliance with ASTM Standards
Use equipment that meets or exceeds ASTM safety standards for trampoline parks and inflatable systems. Compliance ensures better insurance coverage options, reduced liability, and higher safety assurance for guests.
The Verdict: The Smart Choice for Parks
For operators looking to minimize risks, improve transparency, and maintain compliance with insurance standards, airbags represent the future of safety in trampoline parks and adventure facilities. With fewer claims, clearer evidence, and stronger regulatory compliance, airbags like those from BigAirBag offer a compelling alternative to traditional foam pits.
By investing in the right technology, parks not only protect their guests but also their bottom line. In an industry where safety and reputation are everything, making the switch to airbags isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a necessity.
Secure Your Park’s Future
If you’re looking to add insurance to your trampoline park, Marsh & McLennan Agency is a trusted industry leader with the expertise to help you find the right coverage. Be sure to check them out for comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.
Don’t wait until an accident happens—upgrade to a BigAirBag system today and take control of your park’s safety, compliance, and insurance costs. With cutting-edge technology, superior durability, and trusted by industry leaders, BigAirBag is the smart choice for trampoline parks and extreme sports facilities.
✅ Reduce liability risks
✅ Meet insurance and safety compliance standards
✅ Provide the safest landing experience for your guests
