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About trampolines
Trampolines allow children to play and jump outside. They are made from strong, stretched fabric and attached with springs to a metal frame.
They’re available with padding to cover the springs and a safety net to prevent falls.
Risks and injuries from the product
Thousands of trampoline-related injuries are reported each year in Australia.
Children and adults can suffer:
- cuts, bruises, sprains and fractures if they fall and hit the side of the trampoline, the ground, or a nearby objects like trees, walls or fences
- pinches to their skin and other injuries if they get their heads or limbs entangled in the trampoline springs.
Babies can suffer serious injuries from falls, pinching and crushing if they use a trampoline or are near a trampoline being used by others.
Things to look for when buying the product
Some serious injuries have happened to children playing on trampolines.
There isn’t a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with, but the following is a guide.
Design and construction
- The trampoline has safety padding on the frame to avoid injuries if a child accidentally hits the frame.
- There is safety padding that completely covers the steel frame and springs.
- The safety padding is a contrasting colour to the trampoline mat.
- There is a safety net to help stop children from falling off the trampoline.
Second hand trampolines need extra checks
If you decide to use, buy or borrow a second-hand trampoline, make sure:
- the product hasn't been recalled
- it includes the instructions for safe assembly and use
- all of its parts are in good working order.
For tips and more information, see Buy second-hand products that are safe.
Watch our video on trampoline safety
Watch Australian Olympian trampolinist Blake Gaudry explain the simple steps you can take to avoid injuries such as fractures, open wounds, dislocations and head injuries.
Video transcript
Olympic trampoline gymnast, Blake Gaudry, presents this animated video. The video features children jumping on trampolines in a backyard setting showing examples of possible injuries. Each injury example is related to the 5-step safety checklist which describes steps you can take to avoid trampoline related injuries in your home.
VISION: Blake Gaudry is presented with the animated video behind him. The video shows a young boy jumping into shot making faces and doing somersaults.
BLAKE: Hi, I’m Blake Gaudry. I’ve spent my whole life having fun and pulling off big tricks on trampolines, and some people wonder how I’m still alive. Well I’ve always played it safe, with the 5 golden rules of trampoline safety.
Rule number 1 is One at a time. Two people is just too dangerous.
VISION: A girl is jumping on the trampoline when the boy joins in. Both kids accidentally bounce high off the trampoline and fly into a tree.
BLAKE: Ouch. Rule 2 is Supervise.
VISION: The boy is jumping on a trampoline while being supervised by his mum. The mum receives a phone call and wonders away talking to the caller.
BLAKE: I’m an Olympic trampolinist and even I am supervised by my coach or parents at all times to make sure I don’t get hurt.
VISION: The boy is seen jumping unsupervised with a range of comically dangerous and fragile items in hand including a chainsaw, a vase, and a lion. Finally the boy is injured and is no longer seen, the vase flies in the air and then smashes.
BLAKE: Rule 3 is to have Safety padding. Always use padding and replace any damaged or missing pads to avoid ‘clangers’.
VISION: A girl is jumping on the trampoline, occasionally falling onto the pads safely until she bounces into a pole where the padding has worn away. Hitting the metal pole directly the girl injures herself.
BLAKE: Rule 4 is Check. Regularly make sure the trampoline and net are in good condition without any holes. The springs should be intact and secure at both ends, and the frame shouldn’t be bent. You don’t want to spring any nasty surprises.
VISION: The boy is waiting by the trampoline as his mum checks the mat and springs. Satisfied, she gives the boy the ok sign. He begins jumping on the trampoline with the mum supervising.
BLAKE: Oh, and make sure the leg braces are securely locked.
VISION: As the boy is jumping the right side legs collapse, tilting the trampoline at an angle. The boy bounces off sideways, knocking his mum over as he flies by.
BLAKE: And the final rule, number 5, is Hazard-free surrounds.
VISION: A girl is jumping on a trampoline with a variety of unsafe items surrounding the trampoline. These include, gardening tools, spiky plants, fencing, overhead power lines, and a swimming pool with a shark in it.
BLAKE: Ensure that the area around the trampoline is free from hazards such as fences, play equipment or garden furniture. And there is an overhead clearance from the ground level to avoid objects like trees and wires.
VISION: The girl jumps high into the air and is electrocuted by the overhead wires.
BLAKE: Oh dear.
VISION: Blake Gaudry speaks to the viewer while a boy jumps on a trampoline in the background, performing tricks and having fun.
BLAKE: By following these 5 simple rules, trampolines can be a safe, fun and healthy way to keep active. If I didn’t stay safe, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Trampoline safety. It's flippin' important.
VISION: The end title screen appears with the following information: Trampoline safety - It's flippin' important. Logos: Kidsafe, ACCC, Government of South Australia, Consumer Affairs Victoria, NSW Fair Trading.
How to use the product safely
Set up and maintain your trampoline for safety
- Follow the product assembly instructions and any safety guidelines that may come with your trampoline.
- Follow product guidelines for your child’s age, size and development.
- Regularly check that the trampoline is in good condition.
- Make sure the:
- mat doesn’t have holes
- springs are intact and securely attached at both ends
- frame is not bent
- safety net has not deteriorated due to sunlight and weather exposure
- leg braces are securely locked.
- Put the trampoline on a flat surface. It should also be placed away from hazards like walls, play equipment or garden furniture. There should be a minimum overhead clearance of 8 metres from ground level to avoid clothes lines, trees and wires.
- Cover the ground around the trampoline with a thick layer of soft, impact absorbing material, like pine bark or woodchips. Rake this regularly.
Teach your children how to trampoline safely
- Only one child at a time.
- Learn basic jumps and bounces first, before they try more complex manoeuvres. Overconfidence can lead to injury.
- Jump in the centre of the mat.
- Climb off the trampoline or ladder, and don’t jump off the side.
- Don’t bounce toward or off the safety net.
- Don’t go under the trampoline when someone else is using it.
Follow the 5-step trampoline safety checklist
To keep children safe on trampolines follow this checklist.
- One at a time - only one child should be on the trampoline.
- Supervise - always watch your children on the trampoline.
- Safety padding - always use safety padding on the trampoline frame.
- Check the condition - regularly check the trampoline for damage.
- Hazard free surrounds - keep the trampoline away from hazards like walls, fences, trees and washing lines.
