The Truth About Trampoline Safety: 6 Tips to Help Keep Kids Safe! by Ann Marie Patitucci

Thousands of injuries occur on trampolines each year. The rates of injury appear higher for children than adults. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against recreational trampoline use. However, if you have a trampoline, the AAP recommends these six safety precautions:

• Check equipment often.
• Use protective padding on the trampoline.
• Repair or replace any damaged parts.
• Provide adult supervision at all times (though injury can occur even with adult supervision).
• Allow only one jumper on the trampoline at a time (75 percent of injuries occur when there are multiple jumpers).
• Do not allow flips, which frequently cause cervical spine injuries.

In addition, you should check your homeowner’s policy and obtain a rider to cover trampoline-related injuries if they are not covered in your current policy.

For more information about trampoline safety, visit aap.org or healthychildren.org.