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Trampoline popularity is soaring according to ABC7 News Watchdog report October 2012.  In addition to backyards, the number of trampoline parks is increasing from one in 2009 to over 50 across the U.S. today.  Along with this increase, so may the number and severity of accidents.  A 30 year old man from Phoenix, Arizona died after breaking his neck diving into one of the foam zones (at the edge of the trampoline) in a trampoline park. 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission 100,000 people are hurt every year on indoor and outdoor trampolines.  The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons' (AAOS) position statement on trampolines and trampoline safety reports that the most common injuries are fractures and sprains as a result of falls on the trampoline mat, falls on the frame or springs, collisions with another jumper, stunts gone wrong and falls off the trampoline.  Although they say severe injuries are not common when they do occur, they can result in paralysis even death. 

AAOS recommends routine observations of the following guidelines:

• Use of trampolines for physical education, competitive gymnastics, diving training and other similar activities requires careful adult supervision and proper safety measures.
• Trampolines should not be used for unsupervised recreational activity.
• Competent adult supervision and instruction is needed for children at all times.
• Only one participant should use a trampoline at any time.
• Spotters should be present when participants are jumping. Somersaults or high-risk maneuvers should be avoided without proper supervision and instruction; these maneuvers should be done only with proper use of protective equipment, such as a harness.
• The trampoline-jumping surface should be placed at ground level.
• The supporting bars, strings and surrounding landing surfaces should have adequate protective padding.
• Equipment should be checked regularly for safety conditions.
• Safety net enclosures may give a false sense of security – most injuries occur on the trampoline surface.
• Trampolines are not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
• Make sure trampoline ladders are removed after use to prevent unsupervised access by young children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken a strong position on having trampolines at home.  Here's what they say:

"Don't buy a trampoline for your home!  Trampolines may be popular and a fun way to get exercise, but there are safer ways to encourage your children to be physically active, such as playing catch, riding a bike (don't forger a bike helmet), or playing a team sport.

The AAP recommends that mini and full-sized trampolines never be used at home, in routine gym classes, or on playgrounds.  They should only be used in supervised training programs for gymnastics, diving, or other competitive sports.  Only one person should be allowed on a trampoline at any given time."

"Trampolines may be fun, but also can be dangerous.  Precautions must be taken to ensure the equipment is safe and operated with proper supervision," says Florida Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,600 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.