Anyone with a trampoline urged to avoid ‘serious’ mistake

If you’ve ever had a trampoline in the garden, you’ll know that it means hours of fun for people of all ages. But as the summery weather continues, parents are being warned not to make one major trampoline error that could create a real risk of danger.

Even though the heatwave has come to an end, the warmer months are still upon us. To cool down, you might be tempted to spray water on your kids as they play on the trampoline or have a water fight. But parents are being warned never to do this, as experts say the common garden mistake could lead to ‘serious’ accidents.

Trampoline specialists say many families unknowingly turn trampolines into ‘slip hazards’ by using hoses, sprinklers or paddling pool-style games to cool children down.

Thomas Hagel, trampoline designer at NorthTrampoline.com, said: “When temperatures rise, it’s completely understandable that parents look for ways to help children cool off while still playing outside. But water should never be used directly on a trampoline mat because it creates a very slippery surface and significantly increases the risk of accidents.

“Children can easily lose their footing, slip or land awkwardly. A wet trampoline also increases the risk of children landing on each other as they lose their balance. If families want to use water in the garden, keep it completely separate from the trampoline area.”

The company says there is no official temperature at which trampolines become unsafe from a product perspective, but parents should monitor children carefully for signs of overheating, especially during long jumping sessions in direct sun.

Thomas added: “The biggest risk in hot weather is not the trampoline itself overheating, it’s children overheating without realising it. Kids can become so absorbed in playing that they don’t notice how hot or dehydrated they are becoming.”

Instead of using water on the trampoline itself, North Trampoline has shared several safer ways families can keep children active outdoors when the weather is warm.

Thomas said: “One of the best tips is to move the trampoline into a naturally shaded part of the garden where possible, such as beside a tree or on the side of the house that avoids the strongest afternoon sun.”

The experts also suggests attaching breathable fabric or shade covers to the sunny side of a trampoline net to create cooler areas while still allowing airflow.

Parents are also being encouraged to rethink when trampolines are used during the day.

Rather than letting children jump during the hottest afternoon temperatures, Thomas says early mornings and cooler evenings are far safer and more comfortable.

He said: “Evening jumping sessions are brilliant during warm weather because the trampoline mat is cooler, the air temperature is lower and children can still enjoy being active outdoors without the intense midday heat.”