Trampoline Pros & Cons

This Christmas, a couple of my family members and I have pooled funds to purchase a 15-foot trampoline for my niece and nephews. As a recently licensed insurance agent, I know enough to know that there are likely to be liability concerns with a backyard trampoline, so what have we gotten into with this gift?

Let us explore some pros and cons:

PROS:

Trampolines are fun! I cannot wait to watch the kids unwrap the giant heavy boxes and know that they will be THOSE KIDS in the neighborhood that have a new trampoline!
Trampoline bouncing is a good workout and offers health benefits. It increases bone mass and skeletal strength, improves posture, coordination and balance, benefits your cardiovascular health and fitness endurance, and increases the release of endorphins.
With a trampoline around, you may not need to nag your children as much to get out of the house!

CONS:

Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover you in the event of an accident. Many policies have trampoline exclusions or mandate that trampolines are within enclosed areas with restricted access. Talk with your insurance agent before you get one, so you know your risks. (More on this later.)
Injuries: The American Association of Pediatrics is not a fan of trampolines due to the increased risk of injuries. Younger kids, especially younger than six years old, are more likely to be injured than older kids.
Kids get bold and want to try flips and tricks like Olympic gymnasts or Evil Knievel. Monitor those stunts to prevent injury, and do not take your eyes off the children!
You need to regularly inspect the trampoline for mechanical soundness and safety.

Let’s jump into the insurance part and consider Con #1 further.

Read your homeowner's insurance policy and look for any mention of trampolines. The hope is that there will be coverage offered, in the event of any accidents, with no exclusions, meaning that if there were to be a liability or property damage claim involving the trampoline, there are not any exclusions to the coverage in the event the claim involves your trampoline.

If there are exclusions, you may see those noted as an “attractive nuisance”. An attractive nuisance is something on your property that draws the attention and curiosity of children but threatens them with harm (ex. trampolines, pools, treehouses, zip lines, and play sets.)

Talk to your insurance agent about the exposure you might face if you go through with getting a trampoline. Many insurance companies recommend that your yard be fenced, with locks on your gates.

Tips and Recommendations:

Make sure the trampoline is in a clear space in the yard. Never have a trampoline under loose tree limbs, near the house, deck, shed. or near power lines.
Absolutely buy a trampoline that includes protective netting around the outside. This helps keep both kids and adults from bouncing off the trampoline and landing awkwardly on the ground. If there is a zipper to make the netting functional, do not forget to zip it up once a person goes inside.
Fence in the yard and add locks to your gates. If you have security cameras, position them to monitor the trampoline.
Purchase and install additional padding. Cover the springs. I remember the painful pinch of getting skin stuck in a spring from my own childhood trampoline experiences. My friend Scott cut up foam pool noodles with which to cover the edges and springs of his daughters’ trampoline - genius!
Allow only people you trust to jump on your trampoline. Having people who understand the risks or will not take legal action against you in the case of an accident or injury is the only way to let other kids on your trampoline and even then, consider having jumpers sign a waiver.
Make it a singular activity - make the kids take turns on the trampoline so they do not fall or bonk into one another.
Disallow stunts or flips.

Bagwell & Bagwell Insurance has knowledgeable professionals that can help you navigate the best coverage options for protecting you so that you can just enjoy the trampoline and not be worried about rest!

References:

https://www.insider.com/trampoline-safety-risks#skywalker-12-foot-round-trampoline-with-enclosure-4

https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/insurance-trampoline-tree-house.aspx

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/3/e20161236?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=TrendMD&utm_campaign=Pediatrics_TrendMD_0