If you’re a kid, spending time on a trampoline offers a dose of pure, unfiltered joy.
But if you’re an adult, you need to be a little more practical. Trampolines are fun, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly.
There are nearly 250,000 trampoline-related injuries in the United States each year, most of them involving kids under 14.
So we think that trampoline safety is a point worth returning to, which is why we’re devoting this week’s blog post to the following trampoline safety tips:
When you buy a trampoline, be prepared to give up a lot of space in your yard. You’ll need at least 24 feet of overhead clearance on level ground.- When we say “level ground,” we mean on the grass or a prepared surface such as sand, bark or any spongy surface that provides a cushion.
- Be sure to purchase the appropriate enclosure for your trampoline. They are a necessity for safe play.
- Placing a trampoline on a surface such as concrete or asphalt can stress and damage the frame over time.
- You’ll need a horizontal clearance as well, keeping the trampoline at least six feet away from other objects (your home, the fence, bushes, etc.)
Never place anything underneath the trampoline.- Before using a trampoline, making sure the springs are in place and the bolts are tight. You may need to install safety pads to cover the steel frame and springs. The enclosure net should be secured as well.
- If you have children under 6, we do not recommend they use a trampoline that’s more than 1 ½ feet tall. Children under 6 haven’t developed enough physically to control their bouncing.
- The maximum recommended weight for anyone using a trampoline is 331 pounds. Overloading a trampoline beyond its recommended weight can cause damage.
- Have kids remove any jewelry or any sharp objects from their pockets before they jump.
- Only allow one jumper at a time on the trampoline. More than one user increases the chances for a collision.
No matter how old the jumpers in your yard, or how experienced they are with a trampoline, you should always have an adult on hand.- Make sure users always try to land at the center of the trampoline.
- Jumping while wearing shoes can damage the trampoline mat, and wearing socks can increase the chance of injury. Have users take their shoes and socks off before they get on the trampoline.
- Never jump on a wet trampoline, and only use a trampoline during clear weather. Wet, windy weather can cause jumpers to lose control.
- Use a trampoline cover to protect your investment from weather damage such as UV rays and precipitation.
- Don’t let kids bounce off the trampoline. The proper way to exit is to stop bouncing, walk to the edge, sit, and slide off, or use a ladder. Just make sure to remove the ladder when people are on the trampoline.
- Don’t allow gymnastics or stunts, such as flips and somersaults. Somersaults on trampolines have been known to cause serious neck injuries.
A big part of trampoline safety is proper installation. Assembling a trampoline is a job for – at least – two capable adults. But we recommend having your trampoline and net enclosure professionally installed.
A professional installer will help determine the best site and warranty the labor on the finished construction. Using a professional can turn a day long project into a two-hour visit.
If you don’t feel like wrestling with a trampoline, Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help.
Contact us today to find out more about installation, and be sure to download our free Trampoline Buyer’s Guide to learn more about trampoline safety and the models we offer. Who knows? You might end up giving the new trampoline a spin after it arrives.
