Within the past 10 years, the popularity of trampoline parks in the US has soared, increasing from 3 parks to over 800 today. The devices are also popular backyard entertainment for many families, which makes it impossible to know exactly how many people use trampolines.
Trampolines aren’t all fun and games, though. The number of injuries resulting from jumping on a trampoline, ranging from broken bones to spinal cord injuries, is vast. During a four-year period in the mid-2000s, there was a yearly average of 92,000 emergency room visits that resulted from trampoline injuries. The majority of those incidents happened at home, but those occurring at trampoline parks increased tenfold during the study period of 2010 to 2014. According to a 2017 report, the numbers shot up to almost 18,000 in that year alone.Experts say that trampolines at a park are more dangerous due to the design of the facilities, with the trampolines bound together into one huge bouncing surface. This creates an unsafe transfer of energy from one jumper’s area to those around them.
To make matters worse, most of those injured on trampolines are children, whether the device is located in a trampoline park or in a backyard. The most vulnerable ages are six to seventeen, with an even younger end of that spectrum—under age 6—seeing most of the fractures at trampoline parks. Sprains are 61% more likely at the parks as well.
What makes this seemingly harmless activity so dangerous? Dr. Gary Smith, the lead author of the American Association of Pediatrics recommendations on trampolines, explains that trampolines were never intended to be used as a recreational activity. The device was invented as a training tool for gymnastics, diving, and tumbling.
“If a child would like to use a trampoline, it should be done at a gym with a trained instructor who can safely progress the child through maneuvers as the child gains skills,” Dr. Smith said. However, that isn’t what usually happens, especially when two or more kids jump together on a backyard trampoline. This is the most dangerous time, especially if the children are unsupervised. According to Healthy Children, injuries happen when children:
- Jump together.
- Land wrong while jumping.
- Land wrong while flipping and doing somersaults.
- Try stunts.
- Fall or jump off the trampoline.
- Land on the springs or frame.
With this in mind, how can parents lessen the risk for their children? The American Academy of Pediatrics is clear: Children shouldn’t be on a trampoline unless it is in a formal gymnastics training program under the close supervision of a coach. If parents wish to install a trampoline at home, it should have pads and a net enclosure. An adult must remain in the area to supervise and remind children that there can only be one person jumping at a time and no flips, somersaults, or other tricks are to be attempted. Check to make sure that your children aren’t jumping on a trampoline unsupervised at a friend’s home as well.
There are two related legal issues that must be addressed. When visiting a trampoline park, you will probably be asked to sign a waiver, releasing the park from liability in the event of an accident. Waivers cannot release a party from responsibilities relating to gross negligence regardless of the form, so you can add a handwritten note stating “except in cases of negligence.” Get a copy before leaving the park; this will help later if an injury results due to staff negligence or improper maintenance. You can then pursue a civil lawsuit if necessary.
Secondly, make sure your homeowner’s policy covers accidents that occur while using a trampoline located on your property. Check with your agent or an attorney to ensure the language in the policy is sufficient; if not, purchase a rider that will protect everyone involved.
In view of the popularity of trampolines, parents can let their kids have fun while minimizing risks and protecting themselves legally. Consult an attorney if you have questions or are unsure about the language in your policies, and after taking the proper precautions, let your children bounce away.
