The dangers of trampoline parks: What you need to know
Trampoline parks have increased by 3000% since 2014 and one orthopaedic surgeon told Good Morning Britain he had seen a 92% increase in trampoline accidents in the weeks following a park opening near his hospital.
GMB has also learnt that only 50% of trampoline parks have signed up to new safety guidelines.
Earlier we spoke to Liza Jones who was severely injured at the Flip Out trampoline park in Chester. The branch are currently under investigation after three people reportedly broke their backs in one day after jumping 4m into a foam pit.
When explaining what happened, Liza told us when she jumped she "landed in the seated position as instructed" and it was the "most severe pain" she had ever suffered in her life.
In response to the aforementioned, the Operations Director of Flip Out UK said:
“Flip Out is the largest trampoline park operator in the UK and we have already welcomed more than 2 million visitors.
“Safety is our number one priority and our safety standards are well and above what is legally required. In fact, our safety record is amongst the best in the industry.
"We welcome feedback from our customers and can assure them that all incidents are investigated and taken seriously. As a result, we have replaced the tower jump at Flip Out Chester.
“Flip Out are associate members of the International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) and has agreed a long-term partnership with the Trampoline and DMT (Double Mini Trampoline) League, the UK’s biggest independent participation trampolining competition with over 3,200 competitors.
"This long-term deal means staff at Flip Out stores across the UK are being professionally trained and given the skills to coach people who visit our parks.
“Safety is our number one priority and we strive to ensure that everyone who visits can enjoy all of the activities in a safe environment.”
Tips
The International Association of Trampoline Parks highlight that you should look at the following things when selecting your venue:
Have you read or is there a risk acknowledgement and disclaimer
Do you get a safety briefing from the staff
The ratio of monitors to jumpers should be 1:20
All activities should be staffed
Is the area where you get on and off the trampolines soft under foot?
Are the staff engaged in the activity of looking out for safety concerns?
Is the park clean and well maintained?
Is the park well lit?
Are there any jumps over 6ft high into foam pits or Air Bags?
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