Category Archives: Trampoline Safety

Feb 21

Are Trampolines A Safe Exercise Method?

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You see trampolines in backyards across the country now, and you’re probably used to hearing your kids talk about friends’ trampolines, and how cool they are. And you are probably used to hearing other people talk about the fact that trampolines aren’t all that safe. You may be thinking your kids would benefit from the exercise—but are trampolines actually safe?

Trampolines are both safer than most people think, and far safer than they used to be. Early “trampoline” safety primarily consisted of putting your trampoline in a spot that was as level and smooth as possible, and preferably covered in grass, so when the kids fell off, they wouldn’t hurt themselves badly. Parents used to cower at the idea of a trampoline in the backyard, and most insurance companies charged extra for homeowner’s insurance when a trampoline sat in the backyard.

Today, trampoline safety is a lot more sophisticated. First, you can buy a spring-free trampoline, which eliminates the minor injuries of cuts and pinches from landing on a spring, and insures that kids don’t hit a spring and bounce off. This is a very good first step, though spring-based trampolines are also safe when used with the correct pads to cover the springs.

You should still place your trampoline in a safe, smooth, level spot covered with grass if at all possible; that’s just common sense. In case there is an accident, a good location can minimize injuries.

You should also place a safety net around your trampoline. This keeps jumpers from bouncing off the trampoline and hitting the ground, and is a requirement on most insurance policies. It’s also just a good investment in your kids’ safety. It is not uncommon for kids to bounce off of un-netted trampolines, so putting a net around yours will keep your kids on the trampoline and safe.

Trampoline safety pads cover the metal poles and the springs, so that if your kids happen to bounce into either they’re protected from pain and possible injury. This makes the whole trampoline a soft, bouncy, safe surface.

You can often find trampoline packages that include the trampoline, net and safety pads for a discounted price over buying each part separately. Even if your dealer does not carry pre-bundled packages, they will often offer a discount when you buy the safety equipment and the trampoline together. If you’re putting up a trampoline, you need to put the appropriate safety measures in place right from the start, to make sure no one gets hurt.

Can kids get hurt on a trampoline? Sure. They can also get hurt on bikes or using colored pencils, if they fall or stab themselves. But as safe play goes, trampolines are over-engineered for safety these days, and the protective gear available makes them one of the safest pieces of play equipment most kids use. Sure, there is always the possibility of an accident, but if your trampoline is well protected and well placed, there should be no problems.

Feb 01

Spring Free Trampolines Offer Safety Benefits

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If you’ve ever been a kid, known a kid or had a kid, you know that trampolines are a big deal to kids. They all love bouncing and playing on a trampoline; it’s one of the most fun outdoor toys available. However, if you’ve ever bought homeowner’s insurance, you also know that trampolines can be dangerous, and that just having a trampoline in your backyard can raise your insurance rates. The new spring-free trampolines are safer and make a better choice for households with kids who want to offer them a fun, but safe, way to play.

Traditional trampolines have springs, which can cause painful injuries, from pinches to cuts and bruises. And hitting a spring can cause a child (or an adult for that matter) to lose his or her balance and fall off the trampoline, hitting the ground hard and possibly breaking an arm or leg. Spring-free trampolines, as you might expect, don’t have these springs, and thus there’s no danger of hitting a spring.

In addition to buying a spring-free trampoline that will not injure your child as easily, you should also buy a safety net to go around your trampoline. Falling off of a trampoline and hitting the ground can cause serious injuries. While it’s easier to stay on a trampoline without springs, and spring-free trampolines are generally safer, it’s always a good idea to have a net around the trampoline to make sure everyone stays on the trampoline.

Another way to make sure your trampoline is extremely safe for your children and friends is to buy safety pads and install them on the steel frame where it connects to the trampoline, so that if someone should fall onto the edge of the trampoline, they won’t be injured.

When you’re buying a trampoline, safety should be your first concern. As noted, buying a spring-free trampoline is the absolute best way to avoid injuries from springs, and buying a safer trampoline is a good start in providing a safe jumping environment. This should be your first priority when you’re shopping for a trampoline.

Also, look for a package that includes the trampoline, safety net and pads. You can probably save money by buying all of the safety attachments together with the trampoline, rather than buying the trampoline, net and pad separately. If your dealer does not already offer a package, ask about a discount if you buy everything together. Many trampoline dealers will offer a discount on pads and nets when you buy your trampoline, and even if they’re not advertising a package, they’ll probably work with you if you ask.

When you’re considering buying a trampoline and want to provide the safest play environment, make sure that you purchase a spring-free trampoline, to protect kids against the springs, as well as pads and a safety net. Then place your trampoline on the most level, smooth ground you can find in your backyard, and you have done a lot to make sure your trampoline will be a safe place to play.

Jan 12

Trampoline Safety

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In the last 50 years trampolines have become increasingly popular. You can buy everything from a small, round mini-trampoline for exercise right through to a large backyard model. It’s important to remember, though, that using a trampoline can be dangerous, particularly for the inexperienced. So if you have a trampoline already, or are thinking of purchasing one for your family, here are some simple ideas you should implement to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the trampoline.

Placing Your Trampoline

It’s easy to think that as long as you have a space that’s big enough for the width and length of trampoline, that’s enough. But you also need to look above the trampoline, remembering that people will bounce a lot higher than you probably expect! If the trampoline is outside, place it away from trees, fences, clotheslines, outdoor furniture or any other object that could cause injury. There should be a clear space right around the trampoline, preferably for as much as 10 feet, so that anyone falling off the trampoline won’t go head first into the barbecue. It’s a good idea to pad the area around the trampoline, and again, 10 feet is a good distance.

If possible, set the trampoline partially into the ground, so that someone who falls off doesn’t fall quite so far. You can either partially submerge the legs and supports into the ground, or you can place the trampoline into a pit so that the top of the trampoline is at ground level.

One Person Only

It’s very easy to get excited when there’s a trampoline available, and kids in particular can get carried away, with 2 or more climbing on and bouncing around together. Unfortunately the more kids there are, the higher the risk of injury. This can be as simple as two of them crashing into each other, or the irregularity of the trampoline’s bounce can upset one child’s balance. So this rule must be enforced – one person at a time, and everyone else needs to stand well away, not lean against the edge of the trampoline.

What To Wear?

It’s important to wear clothing that’s loose enough to allow freedom of movement. Take off any extras, like jewelry, eyeglasses (unless secured by a headband) and the loose contents in your pockets. You can buy special trampoline footwear, but if you don’t have that, wear nothing on your feet. Socks make it far too easy to slip over.

Take It Easy

Trampolining is great fun, and it’s easy to think that because you can do a somersault on the ground, you can do one on a trampoline. But it’s a lot more complicated than that, and you shouldn’t encourage anyone to try doing tumbles unless they’ve had adequate training. Landing the wrong way can cause serious and even disabling injuries. You should always watch anyone, particularly a child, who hasn’t used a trampoline before. If you’ve had some basic training yourself, then stay around and give a few basic pointers about how to do simple maneuvers correctly. It’s also a good idea to undertake some basic first aid training, specifically for injuries like broken bones.

If the whole family is going to be using the trampoline, why not enroll in a basic trampolining course? That way you can all learn some simple moves, as well as the correct methods of mounting and dismounting. This ensures you’ll all be able to enjoy the trampoline more, and be safe while you do it.

Oct 17

What You Must Know About Trampoline Safety

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by Paul Article

Tumbling on the trampoline caught on like wildfire in the early 1960s, and still enjoys great popularity today, but the sport also still involves the same potential dangers. Trampolines in the last 45 years have gone from being an institutional or recreation center piece of equipment, to something that is found in many homes, in a variety of sizes and quality.

From a simple, round trampoline of relatively small dimensions, to the large, outdoor models sold for family fun, every trampoline represents the possibility of injury, if not used properly, or if used by those not experienced in tumbling or acrobatics.

Here are some simple tips to make your sure that you enjoy the fun of a trampoline, while eliminating many of the risks.

* Placement

Never set up even a small, exercise trampoline indoors where there is a risk of hitting light fixtures or the ceiling. Outdoors, place trampolines well away from clotheslines, tree limbs, fences, outdoor furniture, and other objects that can cause injury when someone falls off.

If at all possible, secure your trampoline by setting its legs/supports down into the ground, thereby reducing the distance of a fall. At the same time, it’s advisable to provide padding to a depth of 10″ or more, for at least 10′ around the trampoline.

* Clothing

Anyone using the trampoline should wear clothing loose enough to allow freedom of movement, but not the chance that limbs could become entangled in extra folds. Jewelry should be removed before getting on, as should the contents of any pockets, and eyeglasses that are not secured by a headband. If you do not have trampoline footwear, then bare feet are best, as socks can cause you to slip.

* Training and Supervision

No child or adult, should be allowed to attempt complicated tumbling such as summersaults, when they have not had adequate training. Incorrect landing positions can cause serious and disabling injuries. Supervision should be provided for everyone who is learning to use a trampoline for the first time.

Ideally, there should be someone on hand who can instruct them in simple maneuvers, and who is also versed in first aid for injuries. Alternately, it may benefit everyone, to join a gym for a class in proper trampoline use, including mounts and dismounts.

* One At a Time

The chance of injury soars when more than one person gets on a trampoline at the same time. This can be the result of collisions, or upsetting another person’s balance, causing them to fall. Unless you are a trained “spotter”, all others waiting a turn, should stand away from the trampoline while someone else is using it.

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Discover valuable advice and information about trampolines – which model to choose, what you should look for and what you should avoid. Click http://www.trampolines-info.com/trampoline-pads.html

Paul Johnson works as a software developer, often working long hours under great stress. He considers exercise crucial to his health. When purchasing his own fintess equipment he researched all available products. Now he’s written a series of useful articles on choosing (and using) exercise equipment.

Oct 17

The Time For Trampoline Repair

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Not only are trampolines are a great source of fun for kids, they can also be a good way for adults to exercise. Over time the trampoline can get worn out and start to get rips and tears. When this happens it is time for a trampoline repair. If this repair work is not done, it can lead to serious injury.

Trampoline repair is usually needed after three to eight years of use. The exact time will depend on the location of the trampoline and how much it has been exposed to weather conditions. Direct exposure to UV rays from the sun will cause hasten the need for trampoline repair. After ten years, the trampoline should be replaced.

A sure indicator that is it time for trampoline repair is that holes have begun to appear in the mat. The presence of holes makes the trampoline unsafe for jumping because someone could get a foot stuck in the hole. Not only that the hole could stretch and become large enough for a small child to fall through. There are several ways to repair trampoline holes. Some companies offer these kinds of services. There are kits available to repair holes. Holes can also be repaired with a home sewing kit. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to repair a hole yourself.

When the springs that hold the mat into place begin to get damaged, it is time for trampoline repair. Damaged springs can be very dangerous. Once they have lost elasticity, the mat doesn’t provide the same amount of bounce. Replacement springs can be purchased and easily installed. If the mat needs to be replaced, the springs should be checked as well. Any springs that are over-stretched, loose, or damaged should be replaced.

If the warranty for the trampoline has expired, the trampoline should be replaced. Safety is very important when it comes to trampolines. Be sure to inspect your trampoline often to make sure that any trampoline repair is taken care of.

Oct 03

When to Repair Your Trampoline

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by Jason Gluckman

Trampolines are not only a great source of amusement for children and of exercise for adults. Indeed, trampolines – and more specifically, trampoline mats – also pose a significant safety risk if they are not maintained, repaired, or replaced when necessary.

If your trampoline’s warranty has expired or if it never had one in the first place, and its mat has developed holes, rips, or cracks, it is a good idea to replace your trampoline.

If the stitching of a trampoline mat has worn out due to the effect of the sun’s UV rays, it needs to be re-sewn. This is necessary when black straps pull away from fabric, the metal hardware attached to fabric falls off, or the stitching is no longer visible and the mat is hanging towards the ground.

Trampoline mats typically wear out after three to eight years of use. This range is dependent largely on the location of the trampoline and the amount of exposure to UV rays. Any trampoline mat over ten years old should be replaced – not repaired.

It is possible to fix holes in the mat and re-stitch it, but this is risky in terms of safety and longevity.

Your trampoline’s bouncing power can be greatly reduced if some of its springs are damaged. Trampoline springs that are over-stretched, loose or have damaged hooks should be replaced.

Trampolines Info provides detailed information about mini, water, bungee, and exercise trampolines, as well as trampoline sales, repair, parts, and accessories. Trampolines Info is the sister site of Batting Cages Web.

Sep 22

Trampoline Safety For Kids

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by Carl Walker

Trampolines are safe for recreational use if proper adult supervision is present, and adherence to strict safety rules is maintained – this is the opinion of most trampoline manufacturers and supporters. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) do not think so.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that 95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries in 1998 were associated with trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15. Then in 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000 trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries were kids between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, the CPSC has received six reported deaths involving the seemingly harmless trampoline. 

According to the CPSC, most of the trampoline associated injuries were sustained at private homes. The injuries and deaths were caused by: 

1. Colliding with another person while jumping on the trampoline. 2. Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline. 3. Falling or jumping off the trampoline. 4. Falling on the trampoline springs or frame. 

The majority of injuries caused by using trampolines include sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts, and serious injuries to the head and neck which can cause paralysis and death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), disastrous cervical spine injuries are rare, but head and neck injuries constitute a considerable number of the more serious injuries requiring hospitalization. 

These are the recommendations laid out by the AAP: 

1. The trampoline should not be used at home, inside or outside. 2. The trampoline should not be part of routine physical education classes in schools. 3. The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds and should never be regarded as play equipment. 

These are the safety guidelines issued by the AAP organization if trampolines are to be used: 

  1. Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.
  2. Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas
  3. Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.
  4. Safety harnesses and spotting belts
  5. Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground level should be considered.
  6. Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by small children and should not be used.
  7. Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.
  8. In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury.
  9. Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.
  10. Even in supervised training programs, the use of trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be prohibited.
  11. The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not in use. 

The CPSC also issued additional safety measures while using the trampoline which include:

  1. Somersaults should not be attempted because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
  2. Trampolines should not be used without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the springs, hooks, and frames.
  3. Trampolines should be located away from structures, trees, and other play areas.
  4. Trampoline enclosures should be considered which can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines. 

About the author:

Trampolines HQ offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.

Aug 27

Always Practice Toddler Trampoline Safety

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Kids absolutely love to jump up and down on things. Purchasing a toddler trampoline is a sure way to satisfy this desire and save your mattresses. Sometimes the innocent fun of jumping on a trampoline can turn tragic if a toddler bounces off of the trampoline. There are more than 100,000 people treated every year for trampoline related injuries. There are some ways for your kids to have fun and stay safe from injury at the same time.

One of the major causes of a child falling off of a toddler trampoline is jumping at the same time as another child. When multiple children are jumping and one comes down before the other, the stretchy material in the toddler trampoline becomes rock hard. This loss in elasticity can cause the second child to fall off the trampoline and possibly become injured. In order to avoid injury only one child should jump on a trampoline at a time.

Some toddler trampoline models come with safety netting as part of their design. This safety netting surrounds the trampoline and decreases the risk of a child falling off the trampoline. If the trampoline has already been purchased, there are safety cages that can be purchased separately from the trampoline. Safety cages are similar to safety netting and also protect the child from falling to the ground.

Jumpers should always be supervised. Children should never jump on such a trampoline without adult supervision. The adult supervising should be aware of the manufacturer’s safety instructions. A trained supervisor can spot activity that could lead to an accident and stop it before injury occurs.

Children should only use the toddler trampoline under appropriate weather conditions. In cases where there are strong gusts of wind, a jumper can easily be swept off the trampoline onto the ground.

It is up to the parent or guardian to make sure that the child is safe on their toddler trampoline. Following these safety steps will help make sure that children can have fun and be safe while doing so.