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UK Trampoline sales
are jumping higher! Let's face it, who can resist trampolines? Outdoor trampolines
for gardens or indeed indoor trampolines, vary in so much as weather protection,
the size of the site clearly dictates the size of your trampoline. Height
is probably the most important aspect; don't look from the floor to the
ceiling, look from where the platform of the trampoline will be. It sounds
obvious now but some people look at an eight-foot room and think it will
be great for the kids. Try keeping adults off your new trampoline!
Generally trampolines come in sizes from 8 feet to 16 feet, in 2 feet increments,
8', 10', 12', 14', 16'. Not forgetting the mini trampolines of course.
Budget priced trampolines make buying easy for many people. A 12' Trampoline
with 12 gauge heavy strong steel frame has 72 high strength springs with
durable safe pads over the springs, it is only £149.00 - compare
that with a gas barbecue, water feature or garden bench, the low cost
trampoline is a great buy when you think that it will take up to a 16
stone person and has a 5 year guarantee on the frame.
So, we can go and jump for a hundred and fifty quid but what about the
safety issues?
Before you go for the cheap and cheerful version, consider who will be
bouncing on the trampoline? As much as you think the trampoline is for
the kids, adults will use them. The 10 ft trampoline would be okay for
one child or a couple of small kids and maybe an adult occasionally. If
adults are going to use it regularly, go for the 12 ft, heavier adults
and children ought to consider the 14ft on the basis that the bigger trampolines
accept more jumping weight.
Trampolines are for fun and they develop excitement, which in turn leads
to over-excitement if we are not cautious. Nobody wants to be a spoilsport
but laying down some ground rules is essential.
Just because your trampoline can take a sixteen stone person, imagine
if that bulk of a person was a little tipsy bounced off the trampoline
and landed on a small child. Alcohol and drugs is a big NO, don't entertain
it because in a world of 'No Win, No Fee' lawsuits someone's lawyer could
be pursuing you.
Another threat is two people banging in to each other. One person on a
trampoline is the safest and if that one person is a child never leave
it unattended.
If you are have a garden party, nominate 'spotters', a bit like lifeguards
at a swimming pool and ensure the spotters are always around the trampoline.
Generally parents will watch their own children but err on the side of
caution and ask a responsibility adult to keep watch.
There is a terrific trampoline safety accessory, a safety net for trampolines
sometime called Fun Rings. They prevent accidents and ensure the user
cannot jump off the trampoline. One should always step off.
The safest part on a trampoline is the centre, stay in the middle and
keep bouncing low and under control. Consistently landing in the centre
of the trampoline. Avoid bouncing for long periods of time and do not
bounce when you are tired Do not attempt back flips (back somersaults),
multiple somersaults or twisting somersaults on your trampoline.
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