Ask anyone who works in an emergency room and they’ll tell you that warm weather is peak season for trampoline injuries.
Most injuries amount to minor bumps and bruises. However, some people have been paralyzed and even killed because of improper use or defective trampolines.
So what should you do to keep you and your family safe from trampoline injuries? Follow these twenty-four rules thoroughly.
- First off, a trampoline should only be used when an older person, who knows the proper safety precautions, is there to supervise.
- Do not allow anyone to use your trampoline without your permission or supervision. If you use a ladder or step stool to enter the trampoline, remove it when you are not jumping.
- Never use a trampoline without a safety net.
- Never use a trampoline that is not on a level surface.
- Make sure the space above a trampoline is clear of wires, tree limbs and any other possible hazards.
- Make sure the space around a trampoline is far from walls, buildings, fences, sidewalks and other play areas.
- Keep the area around the trampoline well lit. Never jump in the dark.
- Inspect the trampoline and safety net before it is used. Make sure that the net, tubes and foam sleeves are in the right position and replace any defective or worn parts.
- Remove any objects from under the trampoline before you use it.
- Bounce only when the surface of the trampoline mat is dry.
- Never use a trampoline in gusty or severe winds.
- Do not allow anyone who exceeds the manufacturer’s weight restrictions to jump on a trampoline. Also, it’s recommended that children less than 6 years old should not jump on a trampoline.
- Do not let more than one person inside the trampoline enclosure at the same time. Two or more people jumping at the same time can cause someone to be badly hurt.
- Do not wear clothes with drawstrings, hooks, loops or anything that could get caught in the net.
- Do not jump on the trampoline while you are holding any objects, especially something sharp or breakable.
- Do not use the trampoline if you are intoxicated.
- Always climb onto and off of the trampoline. Never jump onto it or off of it. Do not use the trampoline to bounce into a pool.
- Go into and out of the trampoline enclosure only at the door made for that purpose.
- Do not crawl under the trampoline.
- Do not try to jump over the safety net.
- Do not bounce off of the safety net.
- Do not hang from, kick, cut or climb on the safety net.
- Do not jump on a trampoline during lightening or drag electrical equipment onto it. Since a trampoline is made of metal it will conduct electricity.
- Do not attempt or allow somersault on trampoline. Landing on the head or neck can cause serious injury, paralysis, or death, even when landing in the middle of the jumping bed.
If you own a trampoline, it might be wise to print this list of safety rules, laminate them and place them near the trampoline. The safety of your family is at stake.
Furthermore, make sure everyone who supervises your child on a trampoline follows these rules, too. You deserve that peace of mind.
When you put your child in the custody of another individual, you are entitled to trust that person to provide adequate supervision and protection. When that person fails to deliver such care, dangerous accidents can happen.
If your child has been hurt as a result of defective playground equipment or negligent supervision, then child injury lawyer Jeffrey Killino can help you take legal action against the responsible party. Contact Jeffery today.