Avoid Trampoline Injuries
While these metal frame and mesh structures can provide hours of fun and exercise, they can also also be dangerous. This is the reason why many insurance companies won’t cover a trampoline you place on your property.
Here are ten tips you and your family can use to help avoid trampoline injuries:
Tip 1- Read the Owner’s Manual
Every trampoline that’s sold in the United States comes with an instruction manual. It not only tells you the proper way to set up your trampoline, and how to order replacement parts, but it also gives you valuable advice on how to use your trampoline safely.
Read and follow the safety tips in your owner’s manual and you can avoid trampoline injuries.
Tip 2- Proper Location Is Essential
Did you know that a person can jump up to twenty feet in the air on a full-size trampoline? It’s true! Keeping this in mind, you’ll need to find a proper location to set your trampoline up at.
Find a level place in your backyard for your trampoline. The location needs to be away from trees, electrical lines, public streets and roads, buildings, and swimming pools.
Tip 3- One’s the Limit
It can be a lot of fun to bounce on a trampoline with one or more other people. However, the bouncing action of others can disrupt you. It can cause you to lose your balance. And, two or more people on a trampoline together can easy run into each other. Allowing only one person at a time can help avoid trampoline injuries.
Tip 4- Stunts Can Be Dangerous
Performing somersaults, back flips, and other stunts like these on a trampoline are best left to the professionals. According to The Center for Disease Prevention (CDC), approximately 10% of all trampoline-related injuries happen to the head and neck.
Tip 5- Adult Supervision Required
A safety enclosure surrounding your trampoline can help make it safer. However, a safety enclosure can’t take the place of adult supervision. Never let your kids bounce on your trampoline without an adult being there at all times.
Tip 6- Preuse Inspections
Before you or anyone else is allowed to use your trampoline, you should perform an inspection on it:
a. Check the springs to make sure they are in good shape and are securely attached to the mat.
b. Check the mat for small holes or tears that need repaired. Large holes or tears can’t be repaired. The entire trampoline mat will need to be replaced instead.
c. Make sure the safety padding that surrounds the mat is in place.
d. Check the metal frame to ensure the screws, bolts, nuts, and other fasteners are in place and are tightened.
Be sure to perform an inspection every time before someone uses your trampoline.
Tip 7- Daytime Hours Are The Best
Your trampoline should be restricted to daytime use only. This way, the bouncers can easily see their landing area, which is the mat. They won’t be distracted by bright lights around the trampoline. And, adults can monitor the bouncers better in the daytime hours.
To avoid trampoline injuries, don’t use, or allow your trampoline to be used, in rainy or snowy weather either. The rain and snow will make the mat slippery and more dangerous. Slips and falls can occur more often.
Tip 8- Prevent Unattended Use
When your trampoline is not in use, you should remove all ladders, chairs, et cetera, away from it. This way, small kids won’t be able to climb up on the mat when an adult isn’t supervising them.
