​​​Trampolines

The Canadian Pediatric Society​ recommends that you do not use trampolines at home or at trampoline parks.

Safety nets

You may think that safety nets will keep your child from getting hurt. But most injuries happen when jumping on the trampoline mat, not from falling off.

Trampoline parks

Trampoline parks can be even more dangerous than home trampolines. Injuries at a trampoline park are twice as likely to need surgery compared to injuries on home trampolines. Children are much more likely than adults to be injured at a trampoline park.

Injuries

More than 5 children visit Alberta emergency departments each day due to trampoline use. Common trampoline injuries include: 

• broken bones
• dislocations or sprains
  
• head injuries
• back and neck injuries
• cuts and bruises
  

Injuries can be bad enough to cause permanent disability or even death. 

Trampoline injuries happen when:

• more than 1 person jumps at a time
• you do flips and somersaults
• you land the wrong way
• you fall off while jumping​

Safety tips


There's a high risk of getting hurt on a trampoline. If you decide to use one, follow these safety tips: 


• Always watch your child carefully while they’re on the trampoline.
• Have safety rules and make sure everyone follows the rules.
• Allow only 1 person on the trampoline at a time.
• Never allow somersaults or flips. They are the most common cause of serious and permanent injuries on trampolines.

If you have a trampoline at your home, there are other safety tips to consider:

• Put the trampoline on the ground on a flat, level surface.
• Clear any objects around the trampoline.
• Check the trampoline padding, nets, and other parts. If parts are damaged or worn and you can’t replace them, the trampoline should be thrown away.
• If you own your home, check if your home insurance policy covers trampoline-related claims. ​



​​​Inflatable bouncers


Inflatable bouncers, like a bouncy house or bouncy castle, are not safe. A bouncer can lose air and collapse if too many people are using it at the same time. A bouncer can also be dangerous if it isn’t set up properly or the air pump fails.

Injuries​


Injuries can happen on inflatable bouncers when:

• You bump into or fall on others in the bouncer.
  
• You fall off. Tall bouncers with slides are the most dangerous.
  
• The bouncer tips over or gets lifted by the wind.
  
• The bouncer loses air and collapses.
  

​Common injuries from inflatable bouncers include:

• bruises
• sprains
  
• broken bones
  
• head injuries

Safety tips


If your child is playing on an inflatable bouncer, or any other inflatable structure at an amusement park or community event in Alberta, you need a permit and license to operate. Ask the operator to show you the proof of inspection and certification.


Before your child uses a bouncer in public, make sure:


• An adult is watching them.
  
• The bouncer doesn’t have too many people.
  
• Everyone jumping in the bouncer is the same size.
  

If you’re using an inflatable bouncer in your backyard:


• Follow the manufacturer’s directions for set-up and use.
  
• Set up the bouncer on the ground and away from houses and other structures, trees, and dangerous areas.
  
• Watch your child carefully while they're using the bouncer.
  
• Have a safety rules and make sure everyone follows the rules. No pushing or rough play. No somersaults, stunts, or other tricks in the bouncer.
• Do not use a bouncer when it’s windy or wet.
  

Other ways to get exercise and have fun


Jumping on a trampoline or playing an inflatable bouncer may seem like fun ways to get exercise and play with friends. But the fun ends quickly when someone gets hurt. Try activities like:

• jumping rope
• playing catch
• going to the playground
• riding a bike