Friday, December 7, 2012

Five Simple Trampoline Safety Tips


Protecting kids while still letting them have a great time is the goal of every parent. You can't find a better form of backyard fun than a trampoline. No other activity can match the health and fitness benefits that jumping provides. Just remember that there are some fundamental precautions that should be taken before you turn your kids loose to jump.

Be sure to do your homework before purchasing a trampoline system. The best trampolines will have shock absorption technology that doesn't inhibit the bounce performance. This safety feature will make a big difference in jumping enjoyment and lessen the likelihood of injury from an awkward landing which is one of the most common injuries reported by trampoline users. A good "shock absorber" decelerates the falling jumper, causing less stress on the knees, back, etc., as the spring design does its job. Bottom line, you get a smoother, more forgiving landing, and a better, higher return bounce. Look for the trademarked AirShock™ system at your trampoline supplier.

A trampoline safety enclosure (also called a trampoline safety net) is a net designed to prevent jumpers from falling off. A safety enclosure can also add to the jumping fun by providing a barrier to keep safe play objects, such as soft foam or crushable balls, inside the enclosure and out of the neighbor's yard. The simplest safety enclosures consist of three basic elements: poles, net and mounting hardware. A good safety enclosure is a must for trampolines with platforms higher than ground level, and are always recommended for platforms at any level because jumpers can get as high as 9 feet when jumping. A good rule is to shop for enclosures with a Triple-Fail-Safe™ backup system.

Beware of cheap, ineffective trampoline enclosures, there are many. To be certain that the enclosure you purchase is engineered for safety and durability, look for these features: • The net should be secured along the entire length of the enclosed poles, on the outside. • The bottom of the net should be installed toward the inside of the spring/frame pad to avoid contact with that area. • The entrance should be an overlapping of the net, in effect providing double security at that point of the enclosure. Zippered, Velcro or button doorways are risky because children often forget to fasten them which increases the risk of fall-off accidents.

Falling is a major cause of trampoline relate emergency room visits according to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission who estimates that most trampoline injuries occur to children under 15 years of age. Kids just wanna have fun! And that brings us to our next safety tip.

The highest percentage of trampoline injuries happen when there are two or more jumpers on a trampoline. So, more than one jumper is definitely a no-no. The CPSC also reports that most of the trampolines associated with injuries are located at private homes. This means that trampoline use should certainly be supervised.

Please keep these 5 Simple Trampoline Safety Tips in mind when it's time to jump: • Always supervise children while they are on the trampoline. • No stunts, somersaults or flips. • Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time, and no kids under 6 years of age. 75% of injuries result when more than one person is on the trampoline at the same time. The person weighing less is five times more likely to be injured than the heavier person. • Make sure the trampoline and enclosure has had proper maintenance and all parts are in good condition. • Make sure the trampoline is on a level ground and is at least three feet away from other structures, trees, etc.

Many people were seriously hurt in the old-school trampoline days with injuries ranging from mild bruising or scratches to paralysis and even death. With today's improvements in trampoline technology, jumping is safer than it ever has been. Be sure to go to a reputable supplier when making your purchase, and choose the models with the best safety ratings. And always follow the safety tips. You'll be happy you did. Now let's get jumpin!

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