| Trampolines are fun for families, but they do | | | | option. Other trampoline parts that help prevent |
| represent potential problems for injuries. Increased | | | | injury are new pads for covering the frame and |
| use of trampolines has also increased the number of | | | | spring areas. Pads can easily be purchased to fit aging |
| disabling injuries that children in particular are | | | | trampolines. |
| experiencing. Approximately 250,000 injuries occur | | | | They are available in the different sizes and shapes |
| every year from trampoline accidents, which ranks it | | | | that have been available from trampoline |
| as a dangerous activity. | | | | manufacturers. Old and weathered pads lose their |
| The types of injuries that are most frequently seen | | | | protective capabilities, and should be replaced for |
| with trampoline accidents are fractures of arms and | | | | safety reasons. Springs and mats should also be |
| legs, wrist injuries, head trauma and spinal cord | | | | regularly inspected. If springs are found stretched, or |
| injuries. Most of these injuries occur when jumpers | | | | have broken couplers, they also should be replaced. |
| collide with one another, falling on the springs or | | | | Mats will deteriorate over time due to weather and |
| frame of the trampoline, attempting aerial stunts and | | | | sun exposure, and keeping an eye out for rips and |
| falling off of the trampoline. Injuries can be life | | | | tears is essential to safety. To reduce the possibility |
| threatening or result in paralysis in severe cases. | | | | of injury, you should follow these simple tips: |
| Because of these risks, it is extremely important for | | | | 1. Have an adult present at all times |
| families to heed some common sense advice when | | | | 2. Use a surrounding net to prevent jumpers from |
| purchasing a new trampoline, or repairing an older | | | | falling off the trampoline |
| trampoline. | | | | 3. Make sure you place your trampoline on a level |
| One important safety tip is to acquire trampoline | | | | surface away from obstacles |
| parts that assist in preventing injury. The most | | | | 4. Maintain the pads on the frame in good shape |
| beneficial addition is the use of a net enclosure, which | | | | 5. Only allow one person to jump at one time |
| basically prevents jumpers from falling off the | | | | 6. Avoid stunts that you aren't capable of doing |
| trampoline completely. A trampoline with enclosure | | | | safely! |
| set up is easily installed on existing trampolines and is | | | | I hope these simple tips have been useful! By |
| a very important addition for safety. Most new | | | | following safety guidelines, using a trampoline can be |
| trampoline purchases come with a net setup as an | | | | a safe and fun activity for your entire family. |