UK
Trampoline sales are jumping higher! Let's face
it, who can resist trampolines? Outdoor trampolines
for gardens or indeed indoor trampolines, vary in
so much as weather protection, the size of the site
clearly dictates the size of your trampoline. 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 8 feet
to 16 feet, in 2 feet increments, 8', 10', 12',
14', 16'. Not forgetting the mini trampolines of
course.
Budget priced trampolines make buying easy for many
people. A 12' Trampoline with 12 gauge heavy strong
steel frame has 72 high strength springs with durable
safe pads over the springs, it is only £149.00 -
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 up to a 16
stone person and has a 5 year guarantee on the frame.
So, we can 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.
