Should we get rid of it?

Question

Our son Harrison fell off of the the trampoline 2 days ago and broke his humerus and is now in a full arm cast. We have another son and we are afraid that something like this or worse will happen to Samuel. Should we get rid of the trampoline of just put a net around it?

Answer 1

Well if you decide to keep it you need a net around it for sure.

Answer 2

I would put a net around it, and go over the trampoline rules with both kids before either one of them are allowed on it again.

It sucks that he broke his arm, but a broken arm could happen falling off a slide, a bike, a tree, a wagon, or even the couch. Are you going to get rid of all of those dangerous things, too?

Another option is to dig a huge hole in your yard, and place the trampoline down inside of it. Size the hole so that there is no more than a 2 or 3 inch gap all the way around it (so you have room to reach down and grab the bar if you need to remove it from the hole), and make it deep enough so that the surface is level with the ground around it.

I have seen someone do this before, but we live in a very rural area where there aren't really many restrictions as to what you can do on your property. If you live somewhere like a subdivision, you may not be able to do this. Also, depending on what the water drainage situation is like in your area, the hole underneat the trampoline may fill with water. Our neighbor has to take his trampoline out of the hole after heavy rains to let it dry out.

Answer 3

I would just put a safety net around it and set some rules as to what they can and cannot do on the trampoline. Also, make sure they are supervised, not saying you weren't watching them, but it's a good idea to have at least one adult keeping an eye on them when they have the potential to get hurt. I imagine the son that got hurt will be more careful next time.

On a side note - Funny how many safety precautions we take these days! I remember when we were kids we jumped on a trampoline with no net and it didn't even have that soft cover over the springs!! My friends and I would also cover it with dish soap and spray it with the hose - don't share this with you kids!! It was fun, but wow we really could've gotten hurt. I don't know what our parents were thinking, lol!

Answer 4

My family got a trampoline when I was in third grade. We kept it for about 10 years or so. When we got it my dad made a set of "trampoline rules". They were surprisingly effective. I fell off a few times as well, but the most I ever got was a scraped knee. I would try setting some rules, such as no more than 3 people on the tramp at a time and no one under the age of 6 is allowed on. As far as a net, they work really well. Try one and if something else happens, get rid of it.

Answer 5

I would never have purchased a trampoline to begin with.

Insurance companies have been know to refuse homeowners coverage, even if you have a net; due to the fact that so many people have been severely hurt.

One of my friends is an emergency room nurse and sees an average of three severe injuries per week in a small town hospital due to trampolines.

Why invite danger into your child's lives?

I know a neighbor whose grandchild broke two ribs and ended up in the hospital with a collapsed lung. This was on a newer trampoline with all the latest netting and cushioning over the spring surrounds....it did not make a difference.

Answer 6

I think kids learn by getting injured.. although that IS a pretty big injury. I agree that putting a net around it would be a good thing, If you take it away, they might just find something else, just as dangerous - this way if the trampoline is made safer by using a net, the chances of another incident goes way down!

Answer 7

Aww don't throw it out! Come on, think back to when you were a kid and things in life were so unfair. I know that if it was me, I would be so sad and angry that simply because somebody else got hurt, I can't enjoy the same things.

Its like when I was in school they didn't serve hot dogs anymore because some chick choked on one and died. Ugh, not everyone is a moron and swallows their food. Now because of that one person, I couldn't have my hot dogs! Besides, you can choke on anything.

So the point is, DEFINITELY put a net around it to make it safer. But dont take away the fun just because of one accident. Maybe you can also supervise when they're jumping on the trampoline to make sure they're not going too crazy on it. Think of this from a child's point of view!

Answer 8

In my opinion, trampolines are a great source of exercise for children. My aunt had one when I was little & it seems like we'd jump on that thing for hours on end. However, I do remember a couple of injuries from it! I would also suggest a net around it, although you will want to talk to you kids and make sure they realize the net doesn't mean they can go crazy! Good luck!

Answer 9

I would say to make it as safe as possible and instruction the users about using it safely. Kids are going to break things. It's their chief project. I broke both bones in my arm (age 8) by diving off the porch. Don't ask me why I thought that was agood idea.....I just thought I could do it....land on my hands and bounce up and look like a circus act. Well my circus act caused a lot of pain and dollar expensive.

My Mom never said a thing except. "Now what did we learn from this experience" as she laughed her a** off. Loved that lady.

The trampoline can give lots of exercise and balance control, and agility which in-tern helps the brain. As long as they don't land on their brain.

Good Luck.

Answer 10

I'd say put a net around it, therefore your kids would be much safer when playing on the trampoline.

Answer 11

I would def get a net. Accidents happen but it's better to be safe than sorry next time they get on the trampoline