While trampolines can be extremely entertaining, they can also be dangerous. In the United States alone, more than 100,000 people are injured each year. However, the vast majority of these accidents are completely avoidable. If you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to avoid many of the most common injuries and have a safe and fun experience.
1. Be Aware of the Weight Limit
Many people never notice weight limits. However, these limits exist for a reason; it’s important to be aware of them. Find out what the limit is and make sure you don’t exceed it. If you’re planning on allowing adults to use your trampoline, make sure you purchase a model that will be able to support their weight.
2. Enforce the One at a Time Rule
In the majority of cases, safety guidelines strongly suggest that a trampoline not be used by more than one person at a time. While this rule seems perfectly reasonable in theory, in practice, it can be difficult to enforce. Kids want to use it with their friends, and they aren’t always patient. If a rule like this isn’t implemented, it’s likely that it won’t be obeyed. Parents need to make sure their children know how important this rule is. Whenever children are jumping, parents should confirm that only one child is bouncing on it at a time.
3. Consider Buying Extra Safety Gear
Because trampoline injuries are so common, a number of manufacturers have begun to offer safety enclosures. These enclosures help to protect children and adults while they bounce. In addition, there are a number of other safety products available as well. For example, landing pads are frequently sold. If someone happens to fall off of the trampoline, this pad will help to soften the blow. Take a look at some of the accessories on the market and see which ones might work well for your jumper. A lot of these accessories are easy to use and extremely affordable.
4. Think About Shape
Most backyards have a large, round trampoline in them. However, a different kind of shape may wind up providing more safety. A square model won’t provide the same kind of bounce that a circular product will. Because of this, it can be a lot safer for children to use. There are other benefits to using this kind of shape. For example, it may take up less space in the yard. If you’re still in the market for one, try looking at some of the other shapes on the market. You may be able to find something that appeals to you.
5. Find a Safer Brand
If shape changes and safety gear aren’t enough, you might want to try a trampoline that has safety built into its design. There are styles on the market that are specifically designed to reduce the risk of injury. While there’s no way to prevent injuries completely, they take every possible precaution. They’re more expensive than other trampolines on the market, but for some families, the cost may be worth it.
6. Move Objects Away
A lot of severe trampoline injuries happen because of something left close to the jumper. Children have crashed into gardening equipment, sheds, and even toys, hurting themselves in the process. The area around it should be completely free of debris before it is used. Even an object that seems harmless, like a bike, can hurt someone if they fall on it the wrong way. If you don’t have enough space in your yard to store a trampoline and other items, a smaller trampoline may be a good idea.
7. Make Sure Children Are Supervised
Children don’t have the kind of reasoning skills that adults do. Because of this, they may often take risks while using a trampoline. A lot of injuries have happened because children were trying to do something reckless. You should always confirm that your children are supervised when they’re bouncing in the yard. They can be dangerous; it’s not safe for young and impulsive children to use them on their own. They can’t be trusted to make smart choices yet.
Conclusion
If you follow these seven safety tips, you should be able to prevent most injuries. Falls will be less likely, and the falls that do occur will be less severe. At the end of the day, trampolines are all about having fun. Don’t let accidents get in the way of that fun.