Five Safety Tips For Trampolines
If you’re considering an outdoor trampoline, you may be aware that trampolines are generally much less dangerous than people believe. Especially in recent years, as trampolines have changed in design to provide more safety benefits, it is very easy to keep jumpers safe on your trampoline. These tips will help you do that.
1. Choose a smooth, level and grassy spot if possible. While you certainly hope that no one will fall off of your trampoline, keep in mind that they could, and take measures to insure that any fallers land in as safe a spot as possible. If you do not have a level, smooth and grassy area, consider building a simple enclosure or “form,” and putting sand inside. A simple rail a couple of inches tall, filled with sand, is perfect.
2. Set up your trampoline correctly. This is basic common sense, and you will probably have no trouble making sure that all the pieces are secure and that the trampoline is steady and stable before anyone gets on it. Many trampoline injuries are caused by incorrect installation, so make sure you take your time and pay attention when putting it together.
3. Put a safety net around your trampoline. You can probably buy a trampoline that comes complete with a safety net. As you would expect, having a net greatly decreases the likelihood of falls, and makes your trampoline much safer than it would be without a net. In fact, the net is probably the most important part of trampoline safety; make sure you put a net up as soon as you put up your trampoline.
4. Install pads on your trampoline. By padding the springs and poles, you keep jumpers from catching fingers in springs or banging heads and limbs against poles. This reduces bruises and pinches, and keeps your jumpers safe from trauma if they do bump into the poles.
5. Make sure everyone uses common sense when jumping. This almost goes without saying, but there should be rules about the trampoline and what is appropriate and what is not. People who can’t obey those rules should not be allowed to use the trampoline. No shoving, no jumping on other people, and no trying to bounce other people off are good rules that seem to evade the minds of kids until they’re told. You will want to make sure all your jumpers know and follow basic safety rules.
Keeping your kids and their friends safe on your trampoline is a little bit extra work, a little bit common sense, and a little bit making sure that both elements are followed at all times. Watch your kids if they tend to be too boisterous and jump unsafely. Check the net and pads frequently. And make sure everyone is using common sense and having a good time while acting reasonably.
If you follow these tips and enforce rules on your trampoline, safety should never be a concern. As long as trampolines are used correctly and with safety equipment, they’re really a very safe form of exercise.