Trampolines can provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults. Jumping may also offer health benefits and increase strength, improve balance and reduce stress. Unfortunately, trampolining can lead to common injuries like falls, cuts and burns. Following trampoline safety tips could help you protect your family.

Buy a Safe Trampoline

Before you purchase a trampoline, research options and choose a safe model. Various safety features can include:

• ASTM certification
• Round not rectangular design
• Adequate jumping room and weight limit
• Pliable rods, not metal springs
• Shock-absorbing safety pads
• Full perimeter zippered enclosure
• UV, rust and corrosion protection

Consider Placement

The location of your backyard trampoline can reduce injury risks. First, select a flat surface away from trees, fences and other hazards. Ideally, place the trampoline as close to ground level as possible. Next, clear an eight-foot perimeter as a safe fall zone and cover this area with cushiony material like bark or sand. Finally, anchor the trampoline to the ground.

Teach Safe Jumping Practices

After buying a safe trampoline and installing it properly, give your kiddos safety lessons.

1. Demonstrate how to use the ladder to enter the trampoline and exit by sitting on the edge and sliding off.
2. Insist your kids zip the enclosure net securely and not jump directly into the net.
3. Show your children how to stay centered on the apparatus.
4. Instruct your kids not to do flips and somersaults.
5. Allow only one person to jump at a time.
6. Avoid sitting or crawling under the trampoline.
7. Jump only when the trampoline is dry.

Supervise Carefully

Responsible adult spotters can remind kids to jump safely. Even if your kids are experienced jumpers, consider observing them to ensure they follow safe jumping techniques.

Incorporate an Age Limit

Small children face an increased risk for fractures and dislocations. So, consider not allowing kids under six to use the trampoline.

Dress Appropriately

Proper clothing can reduce accidents and injuries. For this reason, ask your children to wear athletic clothing and remove hats, jewelry and loose items from their pockets. Bare feet can also reduce slipping.

Learn First Aid

In case of an injury, instruct your children to stop jumping immediately. Assess the injury, and administer first aid for scrapes, cuts or burns. If your child has difficulty moving the injured body part, suffers a concussion or loses consciousness, get emergency help right away.

Secure the Trampoline After Playtime

When your kids are finished jumping, fully zip the net enclosure, and lock the ladder in a shed. These steps could prevent your kids or curious neighbors from jumping when you’re not available to supervise.

Perform Regular Maintenance

After installing the trampoline, inspect and clean it often. If you notice wear and tear, rust or corrosion, repair the affected parts or replace the entire trampoline.

Verify Insurance

Your homeowner's insurance policy may cover accidents and injuries that occur on your property. However, contact your insurance agent to verify trampoline coverage. Then, have fun playing and jumping on your trampoline.