Trampoline Safety

Trampolines have increased dramatically in popularity over the last few years and prices have come right down to make them an affordable option for many parents. Trampoling is a great and fun aerobic exercise for adults and children alike.

Trampolines are on sale on-line and in DIY stores and are one of the most wanted presents for children aged between 6 and 14. However, before you buy a trampoline it is important to think about safety implications. The safety figures for 2002 showed that over 11,000 people went to casualty after experiencing an accident on a trampoline, including over 4000 children, aged 14 or under, using trampolines at home.

The main causes of accidents are as follows:

• Colliding with someone else on the trampoline.
• Attempting to perform stunts or somersaults and landing incorrectly.
• Falling off or jumping off the trampoline.
• Falling onto exposed springs or frame.

There follows a list of safety guidelines which will not eliminate the risk of an accident, but make it less likely.

1. When buying a trampoline, buy one with safety pads to cover any metal edges, eg. springs, hooks, frame.
2. Consider buying an enclosure to reduce the risk of your child falling off the trampoline and hitting the ground.
3. Place the trampoline on level ground which is soft (not concrete or paved) eg grass or wood chip, and make sure there is a safe fall zone without hazards (toys, garden tools etc) at least 2.5 m around the trampoline.
4. Remove anything sharp before going on the trampoline, including shoes, jewellery and belts.
5. Inspect the trampoline before each use to check that the frame is undamaged and the padding is correctly attached.
6. Only allow one person on the trampoline at once. 75% of accidents occur when the trampoline is being used by more than one person at once - and the lightest person is the most likely to be injured.
7. Never try to perform somersaults on the trampoline. An accident with an incorrect landing can lead to serious neck or back injuries.
8. Small children (5 and under) should use trampolines appropriate to their size and not adult trampolines.
9. Do not deliberately bounce off the trampoline to get off it, climb down carefully.
10. Ensure children are supervised by a responsible adult when they are using the trampoline.
11. Bounce in the middle of the trampoline.
12. Don't crawl underneath the trampoline whilst it is in use.

Tp Canberra -£270 (Mothercare)
Fully padded, ideal for children, weatherproof. Home delivery only, not available in store.