Skywalker Holdings recalled 60,000 trampolines today because the enclosure can fail, creating a fall hazard. The company has received at least 250 reports of support straps breaking that connect the top of the enclosure to the poles. No injuries have been reported, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The recall includes a 13-foot square trampoline and enclosure combo, which has blue spring pads, a black net enclosure and a jumping mat. “Skywalker Holdings” is printed on a label located under the jumping mat and on the enclosure net. Made in China, the trampolines were sold at specialty stores and major retailers nationwide and online from January 2007 through February 2009 for between $400 and $600.
Owners should immediately stop using the trampolines and contact Skywalker Holdings to obtain a free repair kit at (866) 603-5867 or visit the company’s Web site.
Neither Consumer Reports nor the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend buying trampolines for your kids. Based on our analysis of CPSC data, more than 105,000 hospital-treated injuries in the U.S. in 2007 were linked to trampolines. Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, sprains and cuts and bruises.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following guidelines regarding trampolines:
- Trampolines should not be viewed as play equipment for children. Do not keep a trampoline at home, whether indoors or outdoors, for your children to jump on.
- Make sure your child’s school does not have a trampoline on the playground, as this can pose a serious hazard.
- Use of a trampoline is appropriate only under the direct supervision of trained individuals such as physical therapists or athletic trainers. If used under these conditions, only one person should be on the trampoline at a time.
- Children younger than age 6 should never use a trampoline, even in supervised training programs.
- The surface of a trampoline used for supervised training programs should be checked routinely for rust, tears and detachments.
- A safety pad should cover all portions of the steel frame and springs.
Parents who choose to have trampolines should check them thoroughly for wear and tear to make sure they are in good condition, especially if they are stored outside in harsh weather conditions.
This highlights the need to be careful when buying a trampoline. The cheapest models can sometimes cut corners on build quality. Buy from a reputable dealer and buy the best quality you can afford.
I think its harsh to recommend that parents do not buy trampolines, since used properly, they can be fun safe exercise. Indeed many parents feel they are one of the best things they have ever bought their children since they are used so much.
Of course safety is important. Stick rigidly to the safe use rules, and dont allow children to go mad on them.
Used properly they are safe, but also are fun, and energetic. Children should be allowed to take exercise, and also learn responsibility in managing risk.
One of the best suggestings I can give to any paretns that have purchased a trampoline is to get in touch with there local trampoline club. There is not doubt without correct training there is always a risk of injury.
The majority of injuries come when there is more than one child on the trampoline so perhaps let children take it in turns to reduce risk.
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