For those who may still be in the dark (if there are any), know that a trampoline is that object you use to jump on and have fun with. It is also a movie favorite, especially in comedies, for firefighters; you know the big round object they carry with them for when someone is about to jump off a flaming building? That’s a trampoline.
With that over, let’s move to the important issue here: how to keep your kids safe when they are bouncing on a trampoline. Come to think of it, adults could use such advice too. The Internet has proven the most funny things and accidents happen not to kids, but to adults, especially the overconfident kind of adults.
Be Cautious!
Below, we will look at a few tips on how to minimize the injury risks your kids, family and/or friends can expose themselves to when jumping on a trampoline. Some of them may seem too obvious to be worth mentioning, but you know the old saying “you can’t see the forest from the trees,” right? This is a similar case.
Everyone is anxious to have some fun and show off their skills, thinking nothing as graceful as them has ever blessed a trampoline, and no one is ever concerned about safety. They say “what’s the worst that could happen?” Well, if you don’t take the necessary precautions, there are 2 options for you: if you’re lucky, a few bruises and scratches will be everything that happened, if not, a few broken bones or even worse. So, pay attention!
- One person at a time. Even if you have a large surface to jump on, when two or more people are on the trampoline at the same time, they have a high chance of colliding, and sometimes the collisions are not at all gentle. Sure, the fun is doubled this way, but so are the risks. As an adult, feel free to do as you please; after all, you are the one paying the hospital bill, but be extremely watchful of kids doing this. Always be with one eye on them, no matter what you are doing.
- Trampoline quality. As a general rule, an item usually has better quality if you pay more for it; in the trampoline world, that rule applies as well. With higher prices, come better, long lasting materials, as well as some very useful extras. With better quality, we have increased safety features – not to mention the lifespan will be increased, thus it will save you money on the long run.
- Don’t forget acout safety nets. These are ideal to keep kids safe; even if they lose their balance and fall, they will still be on the trampoline. The higher a trampoline is, the more important it is to have a safety net installed.
- When jumping, be sure the only other things on the trampoline are rubber balls or other soft toys. Remove anything that is made from hardened materials, as they could hurt the kids.
- If there are kids of different ages around, be sure the smaller ones don’t get on with the big ones. They might be tempted do this. Tell them right from the start that only one kid at a time truly means one kid at a time; no exceptions.
- When it is someone else’ turn on the trampoline, be sure the one still bouncing will come to a halt. Otherwise, there is the risk of the next kid being hurt by the one still jumping, or be thrown off by the rebounding surface.
- No shoes. Being hit by a bare foot hurts a lot less than being hit by a shoe. You can never be too careful, as children are notorious breakers of rules, and when you return from the kitchen, you will probably find two or three buggers on the trampoline.
- Lastly, keep at least one eye on the jumpers. Sure, you cannot spend half a day just sitting at a table watching kids jump, but you also cannot just show yourself at the beginning and end of the fun. How will you enforce the pre-established rules then? Once or twice an hour, at least, be sure to stop by and see how things are going.
Bottom Line
Trampoline accidents are not that common, but not rare enough to be overlooked. For that reason, you have to establish rules and see that they are respected by your kids, when playing on the trampoline.
Notice that the ideas mentioned above are not rocket science, but extremely simple and easy to apply. Once you get your children used to the bouncing joy in the yard, you will witness some very welcomed changes about them, like staying outdoors more and finally leaving that computer alone. Therefore, buy a high quality trampoline and supervise the jumping activity with a hawk’s eye, even if it’s an aging hawk.