Trampoline safety

Trampolines are great fun & a fantastic way for children (and adults) to exercise. But they are also responsible for a large number of hospital admissions including broken bones, head injury, paralysis & in some cases death. It is important to establish a firm set of rules in regards to trampolines to help keep everyone safe.

Trampoline safety tips:

• Use shock absorbing pads on to cover the frame, springs & hooks.
• Most modern trampolines come with safety nets. These are preferable to no nets, but they shouldn’t lull parents into a false sense of security. Supervision is still necessary.
• Only allow one person on the trampoline at a time.
• NEVER allow children to go underneath the trampoline.
• Keep the area underneath, around and above the trampoline clear of objects such as toys, fences, trees etc. There should be a 2 metre (6.5 foot) clearance around the trampoline. The clearance should have a soft material such as wood chips or sand. There should be a minimum clearance of 8 metres from ground level above the trampoline. Sadly a young boy was recently strangled on a clothes line that was above the trampoline he was using.
• Never use a ladder with the trampoline to prevent young children climbing on without adult supervision.
• If possible, bury the trampoline so that it is at ground level.
• Regularly check the trampoline. Check the bed for holes & rips.  Make sure the springs are all in place & the legs are not bent or damaged & are locked in place. Check that all the pads are in place.
• Do not allow children to perform summersaults on trampolines.
• Make sure children bounce in the middle of the trampoline.
• Always supervise children when they are on the trampoline.
• Don’t allow children to jump off the trampoline.
• Don’t allow children onto the trampoline with toys or other objects.
• Don’t jump onto the trampoline from another surface.
• It is not recommended that children under 6 years of age use trampolines. If they do, make sure they are properly supervised by an adult.