Trampoline Safety
Home trampolines are popular and seem like lots of fun, but they’re also dangerous.
They cause thousands of injuries every year in the U.S. The American Academy of Pediatrics
advises parents not to buy a home trampoline. This includes mini trampolines and large
outdoor trampolines. They tell parents to encourage their child to get physical activity
in other ways. This includes things like riding a bike, playing team sports, or playing
backyard games.
High risk for harm
Injuries from trampolines can be serious. They include broken bones, concussions,
and head injuries. In some cases, serious spinal cord injuries and death can occur.
Injuries can happen even when a trampoline has padding and a net enclosure. They can
happen even when an adult is supervising. Trampoline injuries occur in many ways.
They may happen when a jumper tries flips or other stunts. They may land badly, fall
off, or fall on the trampoline spring or frame. If two or more people are jumping,
they may crash into each other.
Trampoline injuries can include:
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Concussion
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Broken bones
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Sprains
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Bruises, scrapes, and cuts
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Head and neck injuries that can lead to paralysis or death
What to do
If you do have a home trampoline:
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Check your homeowner’s insurance. Make sure your policy covers trampoline injuries.
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Check the trampoline often for damage. Make sure all the protective padding is in place. Make sure the netting has no holes
or rips. Repair any damage before it’s used again.
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Make sure an adult supervises all jumping time. Don’t let anyone on the trampoline without an adult nearby to watch.
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Make rules and enforce them. Permit only one person on the trampoline at a time. Forbid jumpers from doing tricks
that can cause injury. This includes flips and somersaults. Don’t allow jumpers to
jump with objects. They can cause injury to the jumper.