Trampolines are a blast to jump on. Kids, teens and even adults enjoy bouncing on the backyard trampoline. The key to having a good time is having a safe time. There are many varieties of trampolines. Large 14 ft. trampolines, medium sized 10 ft. trampolines and smaller kid trampolines and junior trampolines. If you’re going to buy a trampoline, follow these tips for safety and fun on it.
Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
Do not attempt or allow somersaults because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
Do not use the trampoline without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover its springs, hooks, and frame.
Place the trampoline away from structures, trees, and other play areas.
No child under 6 years of age should use a full-size trampoline. Do not use a ladder with the trampoline because it provides unsupervised access by small children.
Always supervise children who use a trampoline.
Trampoline enclosures can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines.
(Citation: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/085.html, Consumer Product Safety Commission)
These are some basic guidelines to ensure safety but again there are many different sizes of trampolines. It makes sense that the smaller kid trampolines and junior trampolines should only have one bouncer at a time on them. It’s tempting with the larger trampolines, like the 14 ft trampoline, to have more than one bouncer on at time. Kids must be supervised and very cautious in doing any flips or somersaults because they don’t want to land on their back or neck. When there is more than one person bouncing they must be careful not to bump into each other too hard either. Take in consideration the size when you go to buy a trampoline. There is the kid trampoline, junior trampoline, 10 ft trampoline and 14 ft trampoline. Here are some more tips to make sure kids have a safe time on the trampoline:
Make sure that the padding is secured and in good condition. If it isn’t in good condition, consider replacing it as soon as you can.
When getting on and off of the trampoline, climb on and off. Avoid launching or jumping off of the trampoline.
Jumpers should first learn the basics. First and foremost should be how to stop bouncing. To stop from bouncing, when a bouncer comes down they need to just simply flex their knees and absorb as they come down on the trampoline.
Control is the most important part. Avoid jumping too high until control is learned. Practice by staying in the center of the trampoline.
Bouncers should keep their eyes and attention focused on the edges of the trampoline around the perimeter, this will help control their bounce.
Make sure that all objects that could interfere with the trampoline are moved away. Place the trampoline in an open area clear of nearby trees, electric wires and other objects that bouncers could hit. Also place the trampoline on a soft surface such as grass.
Never let someone use a trampoline who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bouncers should not use the trampoline during adverse weather, during storms or intense winds. The trampoline should be dry and any wind should be gentle.
Using good, common sense and sound judgment is the best way to enjoy a safe and fun time on a trampoline. Parents and supervisors need to ensure that safety comes first and to educate children on the rules of safe trampoline jumping. After you buy a trampoline, read all of the materials and safety books that come with it. After you buy a trampoline, if you feel you need more information then get a safety video or book for more information.
About the author:
Rick Laurensen writes for 10x Marketing. For more information on a kid trampoline, junior trampolines, 14 foot trampoline or are going to buy a trampoline visit www.JustOutdoorToys.co.uk
Tags: Jumping, Safe, Trampoline
