Do you and your family need MORE bounce in your life? Here’s how you can have it!

We all know how popular trampolines are with kids in this day and age and also what a great form of exercise they are for both adults and children in this day of mostly indoor activities. This is, nevertheless, no reason to simply go out and buy a trampoline without thinking of the safety aspects first.

Trampoline rules

When you buy a trampoline, it is a very good idea to make very strict rules and stick to them. First and foremost you must make sure that there is an adult present AT ALL TIMES when a child or children are on the trampoline until the child reaches an age when you may be certain that they can be completed trusted to abide by your set of rules. This will vary with each child.

Next, it should be a very strict rule that only ONE child is allowed to bounce on the trampoline at any one time. The only exception you might make to this rule is with a very small child, when the adult may bounce with them while holding their hand or sit on the trampoline and roll them around on their backs to enable the child to get the feel of the springiness of the mat.

Another good idea is to have a rule that no acrobatics be performed on the trampoline. There are always exceptions to this, for instance, if your child attends the gym and practices acrobatics there and is competent enough to perform them and your trampoline is a large one with an extra springy mat. Then you might allow them to practice only when you are watching.

Accidents happen so easily

Now that you have the buying of a trampoline in hand and the rules of the house, there are a few points about placement of the trampoline. It is essential to place the trampoline on even firm ground and to secure it into the ground extremely securely. You may have very young children and think that their weight is light and will not move the trampoline, however, once a trampoline is in the back yard you will be surprised who will have a jump on it! Your friends and their husbands and other adults. So it is essential that it be in the ground very firmly. Click on the following article on Trampolines and their safety aspects

“…LOCATION OF THE TRAMPOLINE It's vital that the trampoline be placed in an area away from poles, trees, fences and any other outdoor toys. If possible, place the trampoline in an area that already has an energy-absorbing surface, such as tall grasses…”

Once in place it is a good idea to surround the area around the trampoline with sawdust or sand so that if someone jumps off the trampoline completely they will have a softer landing. Next ensure that there are no large objects within a radius of two or three metres of the trampoline, such as trees, garden benches or decorative rocks. You can never be sure how far a jumping body can fly off the trampoline!

Next, if you have small children, you need a ladder for them to climb onto the trampoline. This should be firm and able to be attached to the trampoline in a secure manner while the trampoline is in use. Also it must attach to the trampoline in such a way that it fits under the safety pads to ensure that anyone jumping on it will have some protection. When the trampoline is not in use, it is essential to remove the ladder and keep it in a high place, and this will be a safeguard that no-one plays on the trampoline without the knowledge of an adult.

But, these rules must also apply to adults as well!

What not to do on a trampoline

Safety pads

When we buy a trampoline the first thing to think about is taking the time to buy some safety pads. These cover the springs and frame completely and are fastened down firmly. With these pads in place, the risk of anyone bouncing on the edge of the trampoline and being hurt is hugely reduced.

“…A majority of trampoline related accidents occur when the jumper collides with the exposed frame or springs. This can result in scratches, bruises and even fractures. Trampoline pads are used as a protective covering to enclose the metal frame of the trampoline…”

However, you must ensure that the pads are fitting by covering the frame and springs completely, otherwise a small arm or leg can easily slip through the gap. You may consider buying extra pads or pads of high density closed-cell foam so ask the retailer to see their complete range and take all the relevant details before making your final decision. It is also possible to buy mats which you can place on the ground around the trampoline in case anyone should accidentally bounce completely off the trampoline. Another point to check with pads is that the better the quality, on the whole, the longer they are expected to last in as much as they will not split or tear.

Safety nets

There are two types of safety nets. There is the type that surrounds the trampoline. This type of net is for young and very young children and acts as a barrier should they inadvertently jump too close to the edge, or if they make a bounce that sends them up in the air at an angle.

Safety nets are so simple to put up…even a child can do it!!

The safety nets are not meant to be leant against or leaned on to bounce off; they are a barrier which prevents someone falling off the trampoline. When purchasing one of these nets ensure that the enclosure is made of sturdy material and that the upright posts are well padded and secured.

“…A trampoline safety net can certainly be the best investment when it comes to trampoline safety and your child. There are big amounts of accidents that are caused by falling off a trampoline while jumping…”

The other type of net is more like the nets used by trapeze artists. They are horizontal and surround the trampoline below the level of the trampoline. The netting and the Structure should be extremely sturdy, as the jumpers will land on them with a fair bit of force. The net needs to be tough enough that it will not reach the ground should someone fall off the trampoline and land on it.

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