I found a hint from Andy Baird’s website that immediately sounded like a great idea … protect yourself from accidents with this:

Awning protection with swimming “noodles”

This is what he had to say:

I got the bright idea of slitting a couple of foam swim noodles lengthwise and slipping one over each strut. Now the struts are not only visible, but padded. No more black eyes!

I can imagine tripping over one of my shade lines. This is a  good tip for me.