Trampoline Safety - Stay safe on a trampoline

Trampoline Safety

Outdoor trampolines are great fun for young children and are also great for exercise. However accidents on trampolines are common compared to other garden toys and games.

Recent research has shown that 11,500 people in the United Kingdom went to the hospital for trampoline related incidents in 2002. It’s a sad fact that over 75% of trampoline incidents occur when 2 or more children use the trampoline at once, and the person on the trampoline who weighs less is much more likely to be injured. Of course injuries to the head and neck are rare you want your children to play safe on their trampoline.

If you know of a trampoline club in your local area then I suggest you visit the club and pay for your child to take trampoline safety lessons. That small investment in time and money for a few good trampoline safety lessons is well worth it.

Where to Safely Place a Trampoline

Remember trampoline safety is not just about your children performing dangerous tricks, where you physically place the trampoline can make it safe or unsafe for a child:

• Where possible always place the trampoline on a flat surface, doing so will reduce stress on the trampoline.
• Keep the trampoline away from dangerous objects, sharp bushes, sheds, benches, trees or anything that could injure a child if they accidentally fall off.

Safety Precautions Worth Mentioning

Now you know where to place your trampoline, make sure you take the following precautions to ensure you and your children are safe.

• Make sure your children understand the risks of using a trampoline and what NOT to do on one.
• Make sure only one child at a time uses the trampoline
• Make sure no shoes are worn on a trampoline
• Remove any items that could catch on parts of the trampoline such as jewellery, watches, rings etc
• Make sure your children DO NOT bounce off of the trampoline when finished, bouncing onto the floor could injure or even break a leg.
• Always keep your eye on your children whilst they are using the trampoline.
• To help your child get on and off the trampoline, consider purchasing a trampoline ladder (especially one with non slip steps)
• Another suggestion to keeping your children safe is to use a safety enclosure.

Remember though reinforce these messages to your children by making them take safety lessons at their local trampoline club. I have mentioned some of the best trampoline clubs below; please feel free to click on their websites to find out more information.

United Kingdom Trampoline Clubs

Below is a list of UK trampoline clubs, to find your nearest club choose from the list below (list will be extended over time)

• VerteX Trampoline Club - Ashington, Northumberland - http://www.VertexTC.co.uk