A slip n slides accident has left one Former South Valley basketball standout in the hospital. Over the weekend Lance Van Grouw was left partially paralyzed after he collided into his friends. The accident has left many wondering about the products safety.
Over Slip 'N Slide's 50 years on the market, it’s been associated with severe injuries and numerous deaths. The Slip 'N Slide is a fun summer toy you don’t want to put to the test. It has an age limit for a reason. The average, flat slip n slide cannot support a teen or adult’s height or weight. When someone over the weight limit crashes down on the plastic the dive has a harsh impact on their body. “This one is 3 or 4 feet high off the ground it can take more of an impact,” says David Herrera, owner and operator of All Around Bounce House in Fresno.
High and inflatable slip n slides break the impact of a heavier body and help protect the body. If you’re older and do not take precautions, injuries can include neck and spinal injuries; it can also leave a person paralyzed or even cause death.
“With inflatables there’s always a certain risk so you have to use common sense,” reminds Herrera. He says he encourages creativity on the slip n slides but not if it increases risk of injury. “A lot of times its user error and many times people are doing things they shouldn't be doing.”
Only 12 and under should use a commercial slip n slide. Over 30 million have been sold since it was first introduced 50 years ago.
Christina Lusby Reporting.
TXT 24
Twitter
Facebook