Trampoline Safety

In the last 50 years trampolines have become increasingly popular. You can buy everything from a small, round mini-trampoline for exercise right through to a large backyard model. It's important to remember, though, that using a trampoline can be dangerous, particularly for the inexperienced. So if you have a trampoline already, or are thinking of purchasing one for your family, here are some simple ideas you should implement to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the trampoline.

Placing Your Trampoline

It's easy to think that as long as you have a space that's big enough for the width and length of trampoline, that's enough. But you also need to look above the trampoline, remembering that people will bounce a lot higher than you probably expect! If the trampoline is outside, place it away from trees, fences, clotheslines, outdoor furniture or any other object that could cause injury. There should be a clear space right around the trampoline, preferably for as much as 10 feet, so that anyone falling off the trampoline won't go head first into the barbecue. It's a good idea to pad the area around the trampoline, and again, 10 feet is a good distance.

If possible, set the trampoline partially into the ground, so that someone who falls off doesn't fall quite so far. You can either partially submerge the legs and supports into the ground, or you can place the trampoline into a pit so that the top of the trampoline is at ground level.

One Person Only

It's very easy to get excited when there's a trampoline available, and kids in particular can get carried away, with 2 or more climbing on and bouncing around together. Unfortunately the more kids there are, the higher the risk of injury. This can be as simple as two of them crashing into each other, or the irregularity of the trampolines bounce can upset one child's balance. So this rule must be enforced - one person at a time, and everyone else needs to stand well away, not lean against the edge of the trampoline.

What To Wear?

It's important to wear clothing that's loose enough to allow freedom of movement. Take off any extras, like jewelry, eyeglasses (unless secured by a headband) and the loose contents in your pockets. You can buy special trampoline footwear, but if you don't have that, wear nothing on your feet. Socks make it far too easy to slip over.

Take It Easy

Trampolining is great fun, and it's easy to think that because you can do a somersault on the ground, you can do one on a trampoline. But it's a lot more complicated than that, and you shouldn't encourage anyone to try doing tumbles unless they've had adequate training. Landing the wrong way can cause serious and even disabling injuries. You should always watch anyone, particularly a child, who hasn't used a trampoline before. If you've had some basic training yourself, then stay around and give a few basic pointers about how to do simple maneuvers correctly. It's also a good idea to undertake some basic first aid training, specifically for injuries like broken bones.

If the whole family is going to be using the trampoline, why not enroll in a basic trampolining course? That way you can all learn some simple moves, as well as the correct methods of mounting and dismounting. This ensures you'll all be able to enjoy the trampoline more, and be safe while you do it.