It seems like every time you hear about the joy and fun of a trampoline, it is closely followed by a story of a broken bone or more severe head and neck injuries. Such stories leave many parents questioning the safety of this bounce-filled activity for their children. It may have you wondering: are trampolines dangerous? In truth, using a trampoline, like most other activities, comes with some inherent risk. However, even with such concerns, trampolines are an increasingly popular backyard addition for many families across the country. Read on to learn all about trampoline danger and how to reduce the inherent risks presented by the activity.
How Dangerous are Trampolines?
According to data published by Nationwide Insurance, just under 250 thousand trampoline-related injuries require medical treatment each year in the United States. Of these, about 75% involve children under the age of 14, and 15% treated children under the age of 6. This data alone immediately suggests that trampolines are riskier for younger children to use. However, implementing age limits and safety measures for your trampoline can help to mitigate some of these risks. We at SkyBound recommend that you never permit children under the age of 6 to use a trampoline. At this age, young children lack the motor skills necessary to control their jumping and maintain awareness of their surroundings will bouncing. Furthermore, medical research suggests that pediatric bones are softer and more compressible than those of an adult or even an older child. Therefore, it is simply safer to make your child wait until they are older to enjoy trampoline jumping.
The data also reveals the most frequent areas of injury were those to the legs and feet (40%); arms or hands (29%); head, face, or neck (20%); and shoulder or trunk (10%). The majority of these injuries result from jumpers colliding with one another, falling off the trampoline, or airborne tricks, such as flips and twists. However, the most severe outcome of improper use of a trampoline is death. In these cases, most victims are aged 12 to 19 years old, with the most frequent cause of death being falls from the trampoline, followed by jumpers landing on their neck while attempting somersaults or other acrobatics.
While this data can be alarming, it is essential to acknowledge what it reveals about the safe and proper use of a trampoline. Given that many injuries result from collisions, you should limit the use of your trampoline to a single jumper at any given time. As another leading cause of injury is falling off the trampoline, be sure to set up your trampoline in a safe environment and install a trampoline safety net around it. Finally, we recommend that your safety rules ban your children (and adults) from attempting airborne tricks and acrobatics on the trampoline. Such stunts make it hard to control your jumping and can ultimately end in serious injury or even death. For more guidelines, check out our full Trampoline Safety Guide.
Trampoline Safety
Provided the information above, it seems that trampolines are only as dangerous as the individuals using them. Implementing appropriate safety rules for the proper use and purchasing a trampoline meeting specific safety standards can help significantly mitigate the risks of the activity itself. Here are some of the key recommendations to enhance the safety of your family’s trampoline experience.
Safety Standards
- Purchase a safe trampoline that is ASTM Safety Certified to ensure the quality of materials and construction
- Place the trampoline on a level trampoline surface away from hazards, such as trees, walls, and fences
- Add safety pads over the springs, and a weatherproof, tear-resistant safety net around the perimeter
- Regularly check the trampoline’s surface, safety net, and springs for faults
Proper Use
- Limit bouncing to one person at a time
- Ban acrobatic tricks and stunts
- Avoid wearing loose clothing, drawstrings, or jewelry while jumping
- Always require adult supervision while jumping to ensure rules are being followed and allow a quick response in case of accidents
At SkyBound, we believe that trampolines are a great source of exercise and family fun. However, we recognize that bouncing must be done safely and with caution. By following the safety guidelines outlined above, you and your family are sure to enjoy the time you spend on your trampoline.
Are you looking for the safest trampolines for kids to purchase? At SkyBound, our trampolines for sale are made to a premium standard and quality that meet ASTM safety measures. We offer everything you need to jump safely, from full trampoline setups to replacement parts and accessories. Contact our team today to get started!
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