Trampolines have the ability to provide endless hours of fun and laughter, are a great outlet for exercise, and give kids and adults a meeting point to spend quality time. They also provide understandable questions surrounding safety. There are many different trampoline options with varying technologies designed for different needs. Understanding the functionality of each individual trampoline helps explain the relevant safety features.
It is important to understand the risks involved to help mitigate the risks involved with trampoline jumping. The common kinds of injuries incurred on a trampoline can include those to the head and neck, which means safety features are of prime concern. There are risks to the arms and the legs as well, and as such, taking the correct precautions can ease a lot of the understandable concern around trampolines.
Precautions: Ground Level
One of the most important aspects of safety with regards to trampolines are the balanced aspect. Not only does this make for a more even bouncing experience, but ensures that users are in control of their movements and can make the correct, expected adjustments to their bouncing. When a trampoline is not on an even keel, it can become difficult to control movements, and this is when injuries can happen.
Additionally, surrounding hazards such as trees and buildings should be at the correct distance so as to mitigate the risk of injury. Retaining ground level with the trampoline, as opposed to placement on any kind of platform, is also important in case of a fall. However, the structural, foundational elements of a trampoline encourage movement toward a central point, and as such, when correctly placed, can hep mitigate risk.
Precautions: Supervision
Though it might not need to be said, adequate supervision can help reduce the chance of injury significantly, and though there are a number of safety features on trampolines themselves, it can never hurt to have adult supervision when children are playing on a trampoline. Are trampolines safe without supervision? Certainly not as safe as they could be with the required levels.
This also allows monitoring of those using the trampoline, including numbers of weight distribution. Trampolines come with instructions as to weight allowance and the recommended load that should be placed on a trampoline. Following these instructions can help mitigate the risk of injury.
It is also worth noting the ages of those using the trampoline, with those aged 6 or younger generally considered too young for trampoline activity, and a mini trampoline may be more appropriate in these situations. Additionally, depending on the trampoline, it can be wise to only allow one occupant at a time.
Precautions: Safety Nets
Trampoline enclosures are an excellent addition to a trampoline’s repertoire, and can greatly mitigate the risk of injury. Ensuring your trampoline has the appropriate enclosure when purchasing can create an enhanced safe space for children and adults to enjoy the trampoline. Additionally, I is important to remember to continuously monitor the state of the equipment, and check for wear and tear which may compromise it’s functionality. Are trampolines safe with enclosures? It is certainly a good option for increasing safety.
Precautions: Clothing
This is an important precaution to take and one that is often overlooked. We can buy all the correct equipment, follow all the instructional guidelines, and find the perfect spot for a trampoline. But without putting in careful consideration to the clothing choices we make for ourselves and our children, there can be risk involved. Are trampolines safe whatever you’re wearing? It is important to mitigate risk.
One thing to remember is to not have any loose articles or clothing that is not close to the body, such as drawstrings that can fly unpredictably and get caught. These are hazardous in that they can get caught in springs or other dangerous areas, and can thus affect balance and cause accidents.
Additionally, many make the mistake of wearing shoes on a trampoline. This can also bring the problem of inviting balance issues, and can also cause unnecessary wear and tear to the trampoline. Also, from an aesthetic point of view, it brings the issue of causing unnecessary dirt on the trampoline, and makes it a less attractive proposition regardless.
Tying these two issues together (no pun intended), shoelaces cause a considerable problem for the same reason as the drawstring, in that it can get caught, while also presenting a tripping hazard should they come untied. It is important to always monitor the clothing worn on trampolines, by children and adults alike.
Another issue, which can present over time, is the potential for grazing and burns, which can appear with consistent use without long pants. Though sometimes a tough sell in hot weather, long pants can nevertheless present an important protection from grazes and burns.
Precaution: Preventing unnecessarily dangerous jumps
Though trampolines were initially created for gymnastic and acrobatic style movements, these take a lot of practice and supervision. Trampolines can be an important safe space for creative play, but it is important that children in particular are reminded of their own limitations and the things they should not be attempting.
Herein lies an important distinction to make: the idea of play versus the idea of stunts. Trampolines offer an important outlet and opportunity for exercise and cathartic play. But there is a point at which a child should understand what they can and cannot do, and setting these ground rules can increase the safety of the trampoline for your child.
Precaution: Consider the Weather Conditions
It is extremely important that the trampoline be placed on even ground to ensure that balance is retained and accidents do not occur. It is also important to work with the weather conditions in your area. If you are using the trampoline in an area that is prone to wind, it may be worth considering weighted equipment to ensure the trampoline stay in place. Are trampolines safe in all weather? Not necessarily.
Additionally, if there is the possibility of heavy rain, it is important to ensure trampoline use is stopped, as the wet weather can cause slips that are potentially dangerous. Additionally, if heavy rain has occurred, it is important to assess the stability of the ground below the trampoline, and ensure there is no possibility that the trampoline may move at some point.
Precaution: Padding and Limiting Exposure to Metal
Though it has been noted that trampolines should ideally come with enclosures, it is also important to consider padding of any potentially dangerous metal areas. These include the rim of the trampoline and the springs, which can cause problems if contact is made. Trampolines can be purchased with padding, and this offers security and peace of mind.
Size and Shape
This is perhaps one of the most important distinctions that can have a big influence on the safety and security of all using the trampoline. First of all, it is important to consider the relative size of the trampoline you are purchasing. As a general rule with children, it is recommended that only one child uses a trampoline at a time. Are all trampolines safe? It often depends on the user.
However, if the trampoline is intended for multiple people at a time, it is important to purchase a trampoline with enough space to offer appropriate room between each person. Children should be offered room to express themselves and accommodate for potential slip ups, and this should be monitored carefully.
Another important consideration is the shape of the trampoline, as this can also give information as to safety and security during use. There are several different shapes available, and these are generally targeted toward specific uses, as well as specific budgets.
The mini-trampoline is the smallest, and is the one generally recommended for children 6 and below. This follows the round shape that is considered the safest, and offers the playfulness with added safety for very young children.
This follows that the rounded trampoline, though perhaps offering the least bounce, brings the safest performance. This is because the round shape encourages bouncers to gravitate toward the center of the trampoline, and as such have the least chance of a fall. This also generally provides a good area for bouncing.
Continuing the theme of shapes, there is also the option for a square shaped trampoline, which does not have this same gravitation toward a center point, and as such is generally used for those wishing to practice more elaborate gymnastic and acrobatic movements. Though the square shape does have a more complete bounce and sensation of the ‘sweet spot’ in a bounce, it is not as safe as a round shape.
Finally, perhaps the most dangerous shape is the rectangular shape, which is certainly aimed at more experienced performers who wish to practice certain choreographed movements. This is also the most expensive option, and so just does not add up for those who only wish to have a trampoline for casual use. If you’re looking to find out if trampolines are safe, it is important to research and discover what works best for you!
You can find a great selection of trampolines at Backyard Play Store, as well as visiting the social on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Check out our selection of trampolines today! For more information on trampoline safety, you can visit this post.