While jumping on a trampoline may seem like harmless fun, ankle sprains, broken bones and even life-changing head injuries often occur due to trampoline-related accidents. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of trampolines in any setting other than a professional training environment. Lower your risk for injury by following some common trampoline safety guidelines.
Step 1
Stick to the basics. Simple jumping up and down represents the safest form of trampoline exercise, although attempting stunts better left to professionals -- including somersaults or flips -- puts you at risk for paralysis from an injury to your neck or head.
Step 2
Give your feet a workout. A safe jump on the trampoline should end when you land squarely on your feet rather than on your back, stomach or buttocks.
Step 3
Jump in your own space. Sharing a trampoline with even one friend is a recipe for collision and makes safe jumping a challenge.
Step 4
Move to the center. Jumping around the sides of a trampoline increases your likelihood of falling onto the ground and breaking a body part or hitting your head. You are also more likely to land on the metal springs or frame of the trampoline when you jump away from the center.
Step 5
Avoid jumping without an audience. Even light jumping on a trampoline presents the opportunity for injury, so only jump when someone is nearby to help you if an accident occurs.
Step 6
Save your jumps for the trampoline. Jumping on a trampoline provides plenty of exercise, so practice safety by resisting the urge to leap onto your trampoline from a high object like a tree-house or roof that may be located nearby.
Tips and Warnings
- Areas with proper lighting that are free of trees and concrete represent the safest environment for trampoline activity. Ensure your trampoline is placed on level ground and cover the bars and springs or your trampoline with protective padding. Most sporting good stores sell trampoline enclosures, or large nets that surround a trampoline and reduce the chance of a fall onto the hard ground.
- Trampoline ladders may tempt young children to jump without parental supervision and are not recommended, notes MayoClinic.com. Some insurance companies charge higher rates for homeowner insurance when a trampoline is on your property. Your insurance agent can also make recommendations about liability coverage. Accidents that cause sprains or broken bones require timely care from a hospital. Call 911 immediately for serious injuries that involve the head, spine or neck and do not attempt to move until the ambulance arrives.
Things You'll Need
- Supervisor
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Trampolines at Home, School, and Recreational Centers
- MayoClinic.com: Trampoline Jumping: Safe for Kids?
- University of Michigan Health System: Parents: Get a Jump on Summer Trampoline Safety
- Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Prevention: Care & Cure: Trampoline Injuries
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Playground Safety Guide
- Consumer Product Safety Commission: Trampolines
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