Trampolines seem like such a great way to get out your child's bundle of energy. Just be aware of tips that will make this activity a little more safe.
If you have a trampoline in your backyard or your child spends time anywhere where there is a trampoline, then listen up. Trampolines seem to invite injuries. You need to be aware of the possible injuries that can happen on one, and use the trampoline safety tips provided below.
Trampoline Injury Statistics
Even if you think you have read up and applied all the recommended safety rules for your trampoline, injuries can still happen. It is not uncommon for kids (and even adults having a bit of fun) to get hurt while playing on a trampoline. Common injuries include everything from a black eye (from children jumping into one another) to broken bones. Knee injuries and head trauma are also very common. Here are some injury statistics to consider:
Approximately 250,000 injuries from trampolines are treated every year. Almost half of these are children younger that 14. That number has tripled in the last decade. Between 1990-1999, 11 people died from trampoline injuries and six of those were children.
Some reported injuries are crippling and include spinal injuries, or paralysis. These types of injuries are often associated with people coming in contact with the trampoline’s sides or edges, or with another person.
The most common injuries include foot or leg injuries, arm and hand injuries and accidents to the face, and neck. Most of these injuries happen with jumpers collide with one another or from trying stunts such as cartwheels or flips.
Trampoline Safety Tips
What can you do to prevent such injuries? You can never be "too safe" when you are dealing with a trampoline. Even with all of the newer safety measures in place such as padding and nets, injuries still occur. Here are ways you can help:
Supervision is first on the list. You should always watch your children carefully when they are on the trampoline. Kids get brave when adults are not present, so make sure you have a watchful eye on them.
Limit the number of children on the trampoline. It is also a good idea to limit the number of children jumping at one time. Children can get rowdy and collisions do happen. If children are turning flips or cartwheels, then only one child at a time should be allowed on.
Never jump onto the trampoline. Children (and adults) should never jump onto the trampoline from another surface and should not jump onto another surface from the trampoline. Many injuries have occurred when children attempt to jump from the roof to the trampoline or from the trampoline into a swimming pool.
Take safety precautions. There are several types of safety precautions that may reduce injuries such as padding and nets. While they may decrease injuries, they will not eliminate them all together. These safety precautions should never take the place of adult supervisions.
