While a trampoline poses as a fun backyard pastime and exercise activity, trampoline safety is pertinent when owning or engaging in the age-old recreational activity. Often injury associated with trampolines, however this is usually due to dangerous play, stunts or not properly setting up the equipment. To avoid further danger or prevent an injury, here’s a list of safety guidelines to maintain while jumping and when setting up or purchasing your trampoline.
Jumping Safety Guidelines:
When considering the appropriate qualifications for jumping on a trampoline:
- Children ages 5 years and under should not be permitted on a trampoline unless you’re using one of our recommended trampolines for kids.
- Adult supervision and/or adult spotters should be present at all times around the edge of the trampoline.
- Never allow more than 1 person to jump on the trampoline at a time.
- Discourage gymnastic stunts such as somersaults and flips.
- Do not allow children to bounce off of the trampoline to the ground.
- Do not leave a ladder or chair near the trampoline. This will avoid small children from climbing on, and unsupervised.
- Do not permit jumping on a wet trampoline.
- Nearly 2/3 of injures come from children 6-14 years old
Trampoline Set-up & Position:
When you are selecting an area to place your trampoline:
- It is important to find a flat, clear area where no potential hazards exist. An example of these hazards can be fences, hedges or other equipment.
- Place the trampoline on energy-absorbing ground. This type of surface includes a lawn that is soft or springy, sand, bark or other materials that offers cushioning.
- Avoid hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. Even with safety nets or crash mats, hard surfaces are dangerous.
- Make sure to keep a safe fall zone that is at least 8 feet around the trampoline, and keep this area clear at all times.
Equipment Requirements:
To ensure your trampoline equipment is up to par, follow these safety guidelines:
- Enclose your trampoline with a high safety net around the entire perimeter.
- Choose a round trampoline rather than a rectangular one since a rectangular trampoline produces a dangerously high bounce.
- Cover the springs, hooks and frame with shock-absorbing safety pads.
- Place the trampoline away from all hazardous components as addressed above.
- Supply a softer surface underneath and surrounding the trampoline. Some of these materials would include sand or wood chips.
- Review all of the safety guidelines and materials that are included with your trampoline purchase.
As with any tips or guideline, these safety claims are simply suggestions and of general nature to the activity. By implementing these safety suggestions, you can help keep you or your child safe when jumping on a trampoline. Trampolines are as dangerous as they are fun, but with these precautions you can feel assured on your purchase and the activity. Though there is no guarantee for total safety, as long as you take the time to make sure everything is set up correctly with your trampoline and safety rules are followed, you will reduce the risks.
