UK Trampoline sales are jumping higher! Let's face it, who can resist a jump on trampolines?

Outdoor trampolines for gardens or indeed indoor trampolines, are different in so much as an outdoor one will certainly need weather protection, the size of the area in which it will be sited clearly dictates the size of your trampoline. Be warned, a big sports showroom or toystore may make a large trampoline look smaller as an optical illusion - photgraphs too may be deceiving so double check sizes before buying.

Height is probably the most important aspect; don't look from the floor to the ceiling, look from where the platform of the trampoline will be. It sounds obvious now but some people look at an eight-foot room and think it will be great for the kids. Try keeping adults off your new trampoline!

Generally trampolines come in sizes from 3 feet to 16 feet, in 2 feet increments, 8', 10', 12', 14', 16'. Not forgetting the mini trampolines of course.

Jumpking sell a 55 inch trampoline and integral safety enclosure designed for younger children up to 50kg (7.5 stone). Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Budget priced trampolines make buying easy for many people. A High Jump Budget 12' Trampoline with 16 gauge heavy strong steel frame has 72 high strength springs with durable safe pads over the springs, it is only £149 (special offer) - compare that with a gas barbecue, water feature or garden bench, the low cost trampoline is a great buy when you think that it will take a single user weight - 15 stone (95kg). Combined user weight - 18 stone (115kg). and has a 2 year guarantee on the frame.

So, we can all go and jump for a hundred and fifty quid but what about the safety issues?

Before you go for the cheap and cheerful version, consider who will be bouncing on the trampoline? As much as you think the trampoline is for the kids, adults will use them. The 10 ft trampoline would be okay for one child or a couple of small kids and maybe an adult occasionally. If adults are going to use it regularly, go for the 12 ft, heavier adults and children ought to consider the 14ft on the basis that the bigger trampolines accept more jumping weight.

Trampolines are for fun and they develop excitement, which in turn leads to over-excitement if we are not cautious. Nobody wants to be a spoilsport but laying down some ground rules is essential.

Just because your trampoline can take a sixteen stone person, imagine if that bulk of a person was a little tipsy bounced off the trampoline and landed on a small child. Alcohol and drugs is a big NO, don't entertain it because in a world of 'No Win, No Fee' lawsuits someone's lawyer could be pursuing you.

Another threat is two people banging in to each other. One person on a trampoline is the safest and if that one person is a child never leave it unattended.

If you are have a garden party, nominate 'spotters', a bit like lifeguards at a swimming pool and ensure the spotters are always around the trampoline. Generally parents will watch their own children but err on the side of caution and ask a responsibility adult to keep watch.

There is a terrific trampoline safety accessory, a safety net for trampolines sometime called Fun Rings. They prevent accidents and ensure the user cannot jump off the trampoline. One should always step off.

The safest part on a trampoline is the centre, stay in the middle and keep bouncing low and under control. Consistently landing in the centre of the trampoline. Avoid bouncing for long periods of time and do not bounce when you are tired Do not attempt back flips (back somersaults), multiple somersaults or twisting somersaults on your trampoline.