Trampolining, a popular backyard activity, is fun for children and adults and it is great exercise, too. However, according to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), there are nearly 300,000 trampolining-related injuries every year in the U.S. Children are most at risk. The most common injuries are sprains and fractures, although much more serious injuries occur. Carefully following safety guidelines can help to keep you safe while bouncing.
Check the Equipment
Before and after you use a trampoline, you should ensure that all mats, springs and supporting frames are intact and securely in place. It is also important to check the mat surface for tears and rips before use. Ensure that the trampoline is placed away from other equipment and obstructions such as fences, hedges or trees. Remove ladders from the side of the trampoline to avoid unsupervised use.
Supervise Children
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that children between the ages of 5 and 10 years are the people most at risk of getting injured when using a trampoline. Therefore, it is important that children be supervised by adults while they are playing on the trampoline. The AAOS also recommends that children under 6 years of age not use trampolines, even with supervision.
Use Spotters
Experienced spotters should be present at the sides of the trampoline whenever someone is jumping. Spotters should be strong enough to support the weight of the bouncer if she were to fall from the side of the trampoline. It is important to remind users to remain in the center of the mat while bouncing.
Use a Safety Net
A safety net or frame can help avoid injuries related to falling off the trampoline, but children still need adult supervision. A perimeter safety net helps to keep the user on the trampoline mat but it does not reduce the chance of a person's being injured while bouncing on the trampoline, according to the Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Prevention, Care and Cure.
Avoid Somersaults
The American Academy of Paediatrics states in its guidelines on trampoline safety that the "user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury." Somersaults and advanced level aerial trampolining skills should be avoided unless you are participating in a supervised class with a qualified coach present, as landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
Use at Ground Level
The AAOS states that the trampoline-jumping surface should be placed at ground level to ensure maximum safety. This reduces the chance of falls off the equipment, or participants bouncing off the sides of the trampoline bed. This also stops users from jumping off the trampoline onto hard surfaces, which could cause knee and ankle injuries.
One at a Time
Only one person should bounce at a time on any trampoline. According to Safekids.co.uk, 75 per cent of injuries occur when more than one person is on the trampoline. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents states that when two people are bouncing at the same time, the lighter person is five times more likely to be injured than the heavier person.
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