Keeping an eye on little kangaroos!

Trampolines seem to be cropping up everywhere in Quebec backyards, but we mustn’t forget the danger they can pose: emergency room doctors are treating an increasing number of children with injuries from playing on trampolines, including sprained ankles and serious neck injuries. Even deaths have been reported from simply tumbling and jumping on trampolines.

However, it is possible to use trampolines safely. For starters, there should only be one little acrobat at a time on the trampoline. Somersaults, tumbling and other high-risk manoeuvres should be banned from the backyard, and children should never jump onto the trampoline from another object.

Parents should also inspect the condition of the equipment regularly to ensure that it is safe. Moreover, there should always be adult supervision when youngsters are playing on the trampoline, ideally with four spotters placed around the perimeter to catch a child in danger of falling to the ground. Lastly, trampoline edges should be covered with a safety pad and a net should be installed to prevent children from falling off the equipment.

Have a great summer!