6 Trampoline Safety Tips for Your Kids
Trampolines have many advantages, including keeping kids active and allowing them to have fun. They are also responsible for many trips to the emergency room each year for sprained ankles, broken elbows, and more. Before your kids step foot on a trampoline, make sure they follow these six safety tips.
1. Always use a ladder when getting on and off a trampoline.
Many trampoline accidents occur when a child is getting on and off of it. Unless the trampoline is level with the ground, there is a risk that a child could fall off of the trampoline from a far height while entering and exiting it.
To avoid this catastrophe, utilize any safety ladders that come with the trampoline. If a ladder does not come with the trampoline, teach your children to sit on the edge of the trampoline when they are ready to get off and then gently slide down to the ground.
2. Zip up the safety net before jumping.
Many trampolines come with safety nets, a zippered enclosure that encompasses the top of the trampoline so that jumpers don’t fall to the ground. While safety nets are an important feature to keep kids secure while jumping, they are useless if they aren’t zipped close.
By zipping the safety net close, there is no opening left for a child to fall through. The zipper also assures that the safety net is pulled taut, which keeps kids inside of the net where they should be.
3. Don’t wear shoes- wear socks instead.
Shoes shouldn’t be worn on a trampoline because it can damage the mat and also put your child at risk of injuries. Socks should always be worn on the trampoline to keep the mat sanitary and also help prevent slipping.
Trampoline socks come with special grippers on the bottom that keep the user from slipping and sliding on the mat. You can purchase them at most major retailers and they can be washed after each use so they are reusable.
4. Never jump on a wet trampoline.
Trampolines that are wet from rain and snow can lead to very slippery conditions. Rainwater can also add excess weight to the trampoline mat, causing it to give way when a child is jumping on it.
Teach your child to only jump on a dry trampoline that has not recently been covered in heavy snow, ice, or water. Perform a safety check prior to jumping by going around the perimeter of the trampoline to ensure the mat and all safety nets are secure.
5. Make sure nothing is under the trampoline before jumping.
If something is underneath the trampoline, such a large toy, animal, or even person, an injury can occur to both the jumper and the object or person underneath the trampoline. To keep this from happening, have your child check and make sure nothing is underneath the trampoline prior to entering. Also, teach your child to never walk underneath a trampoline, even if no one is jumping on it.
6. Only jump when an adult is there to supervise.
Even with the best safety equipment and rules, accidents can still occur on a trampoline. A trusted adult should always be there to supervise children while they are jumping. In the event of an emergency, they can take care of the child immediately and get them treated by medical professionals if necessary. Children should be told often not to enter the trampoline unless an adult is present.
With the rise in popularity of trampoline parks around the nation, these rules are even more vital. Trampolines can be a great source of exercise and fun for kids as long as proper safety precautions are taken.
