Safety rules a must for trampolines

Most kids love them, but your pediatrician probably isn't a fan.

The insurance industry sees them as a liability risk to a homeowner much the same as a swimming pool.

As for parents, well, their view runs the gamut from one of fear to good, clean fun.

To be sure, we have a love-hate relationship with backyard trampolines.

It's a debate that has raged for years. On one side is the hours of fun that comes from bouncing up and down; on the other are the injuries caused by the spills that inevitably occur.

Supporters say the trampoline is no more dangerous than a skateboard or a playground. They argue new designs and safety features help mitigate problems, and serious injuries are rare. Amid concerns about childhood obesity, trampolines provide fun physical activity.

However, it's tough to ignore that doctors are among the most vocal opponents who discourage backyard trampoline use, saying they routinely see children with painful bruises, sprains and fractures caused by falling off, landing awkwardly or colliding with other kids on the equipment.

The American Academy of Pediatrics goes as far as to condemn their use.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reports more than 100,000 injuries each year on trampolines, almost all involving children.

Despite the safety debate, people are still buying trampolines. U.S. sales peaked at 1.1 million in 2004, and 800,000 in 2008 during a recession.

True, one can point to inherent safety risks in using most any sports and recreation equipment. For example, more than 200,000 children visit emergency departments for playground-related injuries each year. However, most would agree playgrounds are used in far greater numbers and would have a lower injury rate.

You get the picture.

What we stress is the warnings indicate a particular need for parents to set and enforce guidelines for trampoline use, and provide the supervision necessary to ensure they are followed.

"I'm not a big fan of (trampolines)," Dr. Rebecca Carl, a pediatrician with Children's Memorial at Central DuPage Hospital, told the Daily Herald's Jamie Sotonoff in a story Sunday. "But if you're going to use them, you have to follow some rules."

Set by the American Academy for Pediatrics and trampoline manufacturers, the rules for jumping safely are:

• Jump one person at a time

• There must be adult supervision

• Properly installed safety netting should be around the trampoline

• A safety pad should cover the steel rim and springs

• No flips or somersaults

• Don't attach a ladder to the trampoline, to prevent small children from climbing on

• No one under the age of 6 should be allowed to jump on it.

Lets be careful out there.