Having a trampoline in the backyard is certainly great fun. Even adults like bounding and jumping around on the springy surface! Unfortunately, trampolines can be dangerous; the American Association of Orthopedic surgeons states that more than 246,000 trampoline-related injuries are sustained in the U.S. each year. The secret to keeping your kids safe on the trampoline is to make and enforce some rules regarding its proper use. Here's a look at five key rules that will help keep the trampoline fun and safe for everyone involved.
Only one person can jump at a time.
Many trampoline injuries are caused by one jumper colliding with another. These injuries can easily be avoided by only allowing one kid jump on the trampoline at a time. Kids are also less likely to engage in potentially dangerous competitions like "who can jump the highest" when only one kid is jumping at a time.
This rule can be a little tough to enforce, since kids won't enjoy waiting their turn. To ensure your kids share the trampoline fairly, give them a small timer. Let them set if for 3 or 5 minutes per person. When it goes off, they know it is time to switch jumpers. With this method, you'll have to worry less about certain kids hogging the trampoline.
The net has to be on and secure whenever someone is jumping.
Most trampolines come with nets which are to go around the outside of the trampoline and keep kids from falling off the side. There is a "door" in the net that opens to let kids onto the trampoline. Some kids may become lax about closing the net after themselves; this results in an open point in the net that they can easily fall through. Make it a rule that nobody is allowed to jump on the trampoline without the net on -- and the door in the net closed. Go outside periodically, and check the net to make sure your kids are following this rule. If they never know when you're going to check, they'll likely be vigilant about shutting the net after themselves.
Back flips and somersaults are not allowed.
Some of the most serious injuries, including paralysis, occur in children who are attempting back flips or somersaults on the trampoline. Kids are going to be tempted to try these moves, especially if their friends are around encouraging them. However, it's important that you enforce this rule. Your kids are a lot safer if they stay upright when jumping.
The only exception to this suggestion may be if you have a child who is taking gymnastics lessons and has been taught how to back flip safely on the trampoline. If you feel confident in your child's abilities, let him or her back flip when supervised.
No jumping while eating.
In the summer when you're grilling outside or enjoying a picnic on the patio, your child may be tempted to run onto the trampoline with a hot dog or some other treat in-hand. This is dangerous; your child may choke while trying to chew and jump at the same time. Don't allow food or beverages of any sort on the trampoline.
Children must tell you before using the trampoline.
If you have young children (under the age of 10), it is best not to let them use the trampoline unless you are right there with them. Older, more responsible children probably don't need constant supervision, but you should make it a rule that they must tell you before they jump. This way, you can check in on them periodically to make sure that they are following the other trampoline rules and to ensure nobody is injured.
Don't let your child become one of the thousands who will be injured on a trampoline this year. Enforce these rules, and jumping time will be safe and enjoyable. If you have been holding back on buying a trampoline because you were worried about safety, now you can buy one from a company like Tree Frogs Wooden Swing Set Factory.
Share