Heeding trampoline warnings can help you stay safe when using a trampoline. Both unsafe trampolines and unsafe jumping practices can lead to serious injuries. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that most injuries occur among children between 5 and 14 years old, and notes that nearly two-thirds of injuries involve two or more children using the trampoline at the same time.
Collisions
Injuries may occur if two or more people collide while using the trampoline. Although children may initially try to stay far from each other on the trampoline, it isn't always possible to control direction when jumping. Children may also not notice how close they are jumping to another person until it is too late. Restricting jumping to one person at a time eliminates the risk of collision.
Falling Off
Falling off the trampoline can result in such serious injuries as broken bones, sprains, paralysis and even death. Adding a trampoline enclosure or placing the trampoline away from obstacles can help reduce these injuries. Keep the trampoline away from houses, garages, trees, driveways, decks, swing sets and any other structures. Installing a backyard trampoline at ground level and placing padding around the trampoline, even if you have an enclosure, may also reduce injuries.
Maintenance
Check all springs, padding, screws and connections at least once per week to ensure that your trampoline is safe for jumping. Make sure that the trampoline surface and the enclosure are free from holes and that the enclosure is firmly attached to the edge of the trampoline. Jumpers can become stuck in the gap if there is a space between the enclosure and the edge of the trampoline. Covering the frame, hooks and trampoline frame with shock-absorbing pads is a must, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Supervision
Explain the rules of trampoline usage and forbid your children from using the trampoline without adult supervision. Even with supervision, children younger than 6 may not be developmentally ready to safely jump on a trampoline. Remove ladders or step stools used to access the trampoline to prevent unsupervised jumping. Some groups, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, believe that trampolines should not be used at home. The Academy recommends that trampolines only be used under the direct supervision of physical therapists and athletic trainers, or used on a limited basis in diving, gymnastics and other competitive sports.
Member Comments