Trampoline safety has to be of utmost concern to parents. While older people will enjoy the healthful benefits of trampolining in a safe manner, kids don't always follow the same safety procedures. Too often children forget trampoline safety when their friends come over to use what they think of as their great new toy. They have a tendency to forget the age-old premise of taking turns and all pile on together. This is where the problems come into play and injuries occur. It is estimated that out of the 500,000 trampolines sold annually, unsafe use of them will be the cause of more than 50,000 emergency room visits.

Trampoline Safety Isn't Just a Slogan

Trampoline safety should be instilled in every user of this tremendous device. While it can be a very safe and effective way for children to develop muscle tone, balance, timing, and a host of other beneficial things for the body, it can also cause some serious problems. Tell your children in clear and concise language that they must never bounce without a spotter, and that they must never bounce in pairs or more. Another thing that causes some children problems is bouncing into a summersault or other such tumbling activity. Once they develop a higher skill level these activities are fine, but the beginner should avoid it. When learning the more acrobatic maneuvers, try to use a harness to avoid injury.

A great invention that aids in trampoline safety is the trampoline safety net or cage. These nets surround the above ground trampolines and prevent jumpers from going over the side. Their construction actually helps to keep the jumper toward the center of the trampoline and prevents injury from falls. It is by no means a replacement for a spotter, but it will help to keep your active jumpers far safer. Even better than the safety net is building the trampoline at ground level if at all possible.

While trampolines are fun, they are not toys. Injuries can and do occur when parents use them a babysitters. Never let a child under fifteen years of age use a trampoline without adult supervision, and never let more then one person jump at a time. Practicing trampoline safety will offer you, your family, and friends a whole new world of fun and healthy exercise.