In 1934, University of Iowa gymnast George Nissen and his coach, Larry Griswold, were searching for a way to help Nissen improve his gymnastics training. Working out of Nissen’s garage, the duo built a bouncing device by connecting a steel frame to a canvas sheet using rubber inner tubes. They named the apparatus a "trampoline," after the Spanish word for "diving board." They later founded the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company in hopes of selling the trampolines commercially. The year was 1942.
Fast forward to now, and the trampoline is a popular recreational item in homes. About 500,000 trampolines are sold each year, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics & Child Health. But while trampolines may offer hours of fun for energetic children, they bring unwanted safety risks to homeowners.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons have issued policy statements and recommendations discouraging home use of trampolines. They cite the high incidence of trampoline-related injuries.
The numbers speak for themselves. In the United States, there are thousands of trampoline-related injuries each year. Most of them occur in young children.
What makes bouncing acrobatically so much fun also makes it hazardous. Throw in the fact that multiple children tend to use trampolines simultaneously, and it’s no wonder the activity results in so many injuries. Common trampoline-related injuries include arm and leg sprains and fractures, as well as serious head and neck injuries.
The leading causes of injury are:
- Colliding with another person
- Landing incorrectly while jumping, flipping, somersaulting or attempting tricks
- Falling off the trampoline
- Landing on top of the trampoline’s springs or frame
Other attractive nuisances
Insurance companies consider trampolines, swimming pools, playground sets, treehouses, ponds and fountains, among other things, to be “attractive nuisances.” An attractive nuisance is a potentially hazardous item on one’s property that can attract or lure children.
Because trampolines, swimming pools and playgrounds are especially appealing and enticing to young children, they’re a red flag for many insurance companies. As a result, some insurers may refuse to cover these pieces of equipment, while others allow them only if specific accommodations are made. Such accommodations can include:
- Building fences and installing locked gates around the equipment
- Padding the trampoline frame and springs
- Digging out the ground under the trampoline to place the bouncing surface at ground level instead of several feet above the ground
It’s also common for insurance companies to cover your home but exclude liability for the risky item. They may refuse to cover any medical bills or lawsuit expenses related to the use of the equipment, unless you purchase an insurance rider with specialized coverage. You’ll also want to consider increasing your liability insurance limits or obtaining coverage under a personal umbrella insurance policy. An umbrella adds significant financial protection to your standard homeowners coverage.
Important safety rules
If you have a trampoline or another type of equipment that could be considered an attractive nuisance, follow these safety rules:
- Install fencing or an enclosure and lock it when there’s no adult supervision.
- Cover frames, springs, hooks and landing surfaces with shock-absorbing pads.
- Place trampolines and other similar equipment far from other structures, trees, play areas and other hazards.
- Regularly examine all equipment for wear and tear, sharp objects, trip-and-fall hazards and other potential sources of injury.
- Post notices of hazards, but don’t rely on them. Children attracted to your equipment might not be able to read and certainly will not be held accountable for lack of adherence.
- Don’t allow potentially risky stunts on your equipment.
- Install alarms to alert you if someone has entered an unsafe area without permission.
- Use proper lighting to avoid nighttime accidents.
If you're considering getting a trampoline, a pool, a playhouse or another attractive nuisance, familiarize yourself with the liability risks associated with your decision. While these items can provide hours of fun for energetic children, they require a substantial investment in security, both physical and financial.
Your insurance professional can help you find coverage that matches your exposure. They can also help with risk management suggestions so you can enjoy your yard safely.