Trampolines carry a huge safety risk, for sure. But whether or not it will be safe for your family depends on a lot of variables.
It’s undeniable that the increase in popularity of trampoline parks has tagged along with an increase in trampoline-related injuries. But we also have to agree that trampolines have gotten much safer than they were a decade ago.
Recent statistics show that trampoline accidents and injuries have been declining since 2004. It has also been found that these fun tools can get much safer only if parents and users alike understand how trampoline injuries happen and what can be done to alleviate the risks.
Common trampoline injuries
Sprains and fractures in the hands and legs are among the most common trampoline injuries. However, in a really bad scenario, the injuries could get severe and could involve injuries on the head and neck that could lead to a visit to the emergency room, paralysis, and even death.
What are the most common causes of trampoline injuries?
The most common causes of trampoline injuries are;
- Colliding with other jumpers- this might not seem serious at the surface but a head-on collision following a powerful jump could fracture a bone
- Trying stunts- of course, the real fun in trampolines is showing off some cool tricks to your friends. The danger, however, comes in when an individual goes full force on a stunt that he/she hasn’t perfected yet
- Falling on each other during landings
- Falling off the trampoline- this is the most common trampoline injury and it gets even worse in case the individual lands on rocks, fences, bikes, bushes or onlookers
- Landing on the springs and frame- the springs are responsible for most cases of broken elbows and nicks and cuts. Rusty springs could also easily cause tetanus
How to enhance trampoline safety
1. Get a safe trampoline
All the trampoline safety tips that we may list here won’t mean much if you are getting a cheap and weak trampoline that can’t withstand your adrenaline-filled teens. When choosing the safe trampoline, pay a lot of attention to the quality of the frame, springs, and mat and remember to consider its weight limit too.
2. One person at a time- strictly!
Don’t allow more than one person to hop onto the trampoline. Regardless of the size of the trampoline, having more than 1 person jumping at a go increases the risk of collisions and other accidents.
3. Get a trampoline safety net… and install it
A trampoline safety enclosure reduces the risk of flying off the trampoline by a significant margin. Unfortunately, most trampoline owners never use it even after buying.
4. Regularly inspect the trampoline
The mat, springs, and pads are the most abused trampoline components. It’s, therefore, not surprising that they are more prone to causing accidents in case they are not replaced on time.
5. Always ensure there’s supervision
Nothing can replace an adult’s supervision when jumping on the trampoline. So, make it a rule that there should never be playing on the trampoline without the presence of a grownup.
6. No weird stunts
The need for supervision is to ensure that the jumpers don’t try out somersaults and other high-risk stunts that could easily lead to broken bones and limbs.
7. Put an age limit
Don’t allow children under 6 years on the trampoline. These kids are hardly able to control their weight on the jumping mat and may end up being tossed all over the springs, frames, and even off the trampoline
