subject: Keeping Trampolines Safe: Five Ways To Minimize The Risks [print this page] Trampolines can deliver a lot of great health benefits for your children without making exercise boring, but a lot of people who purchase them are unaware that there are some real risks involved. These risks are mostly associated with the trampoline styles and designs we knew growing up, and fortunately, many companies are experimenting with new, revolutionary designs to get rid of these problems. No matter what model you're using, there are some things you can do to keep enjoying this wonderful home addition without exposing your children to the dangers involved.
1. Make a "One Jumper at a Time" Rule
One of the first things you need to do is give your kids some rules when it comes to playing on their new trampoline, and up there with the most important of them is that kids should never jump more than one at a time. Of course, as a parent, you realize that they will do everything they can to get around this rule when you're not looking, so prepare to pay attention and intervene as necessary.
Too many bodies on at once introduces a real risk of them jumping into one another, smacking heads or injuring limbs. Another danger is a poorly timed jump launching one child off the trampoline. Many injuries result when this rule is broken.
2. Follow Directions
Many of the risks of trampolines are outlined in the instructions by the manufacturer, but most consumers fail to read these types of things. Take the time to read the manual, especially the warnings that come along with the setup directions.
3. Purchase Safer Designs
Talk to your salesman and find out what this particular company is doing to minimize known injury risks associated with trampolines. How are they using design to minimize problems? Some of the common problems include colliding with metal poles on the frame, getting skin pinched in heavy-duty springs, and being launched off of the device into nearby obstacles.
4. Consider Size
Size is also very important when choosing the right trampoline. You don't want a trampoline that is so big you cannot fit it in your yard and maintain the correct distance from hazardsand any other structure or hard object is a hazard. A smaller 8 ft trampoline may be a better idea for a smaller yard. And at the same time, if your children are bigger and more energeticor if there will be teenagers and adults jumping on it as wella smaller trampoline may break easier.
5. Pay Attention
Last of all, but certainly not least important, is that you need to be aware of what your children are doing when playing. You don't need to hawk over them, but you do need to realize that they will get about as extreme as humanly possible if left to their own devices.
This could include dangerous stunts, like launching off of the trampoline or even jumping from a higher structure and landing on it to see how much "air" they can get.
Set some rules and at least be around to check on them from time to time.
In the end, a trampoline can be a great way to keep your kids fit while providing an endless source of fun. Just educate yourself about what the possibilities for injury are, enforce some ground rules, and purchase a trampoline from a company that takes safety extremely seriously.
