http://www.homesafetyzone.com/backyard-safety/trampoline-safety/ Trampoline safety is important to know before you put a trampoline in your backyard and turn your kids loose on it. Learn the rules of trampoline safety here. en-us Tue, 27 Sep 2005 09:17:54 EDT Tue, 27 Sep 2005 09:17:54 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 After listening to your kids beg and beg, you finally gave in and bought them a trampoline. Now your backyard is the place for all the neighborhood kids to be. So before you let everyone in, learn the rules of trampoline safetyandbackyard safety. Rules of Trampoline Safety The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that in 1998 alone there were 95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries associated with trampolines. About 75% of the victims were under the age of 15 and 10% were under the age of 5. And since 1990, they have received reports of 6 deaths involving trampolines. That's why you should establish a set of trampoline safety rules for your kids if you have a trampoline. Some of the accidents that can occur are collisions when multiple kids are on the trampoline at one time, landing wrong when jumping or doing tricks like somersalts, falling or jumping off, or falling into the springs or frame of the trampoline, or little fingers getting caught in the springs. First of all, before you let any other kids (ones who don't belong to you) jump on the trampoline, have their parents sign a waiver removing all liability from you in case of injury. This is just to protect yourself from a lawsuit. We're going to assume you put a trampoline enclosure around the perimeter of your trampoline so kids don't fall over the side. Not doing that is just irresponsible, and it sets kids up for broken or sprained limbs, or worse. Here are some more basic rules: Only allow one person on the trampoline at a time Don't let anyone jump off the trampoline Don't use the trampoline if it doesn't have a pad over the springs and hooks Don't put the trampoline near structures and swing sets Use shock-absorbent material on the ground around the trampoline Make sure there's adult supervision when children are using the trampoline. If possible, dig a pit to put the trampoline in so that it will be closer to the ground Don't allow children to wear jewelry on the trampoline, especially necklaces Make sure your children follow these rules for safe and fun times on their trampoline! Tue, 27 Sep 2005 09:17:54 EDT