It is vitally important to use your trampoline properly and follow all safety guidelines. Improper use of a trampoline can result in death or a serious injury such as paralysis. Most trampoline injuries result from jumpers colliding, landing badly from a somersault or stunt, or falling off the trampoline.

• Inspect your trampoline before each use to ensure that it is in good repair [link to maintenance section].
• Use an enclosure net to improve your trampoline’s safety and stability.
• Ensure that safety pads and foam pole sleeves are properly installed to cover springs, poles, and the trampoline frame.
• Make sure there is adequate space above and around your trampoline before you start jumping.
• Make sure there are no objects under the trampoline before jumping.
• Do not use your trampoline in rain or high winds. Never use a trampoline when lightning is in the area.
• Do not jump on a wet trampoline.
• Jumpers should always be supervised by someone who is not on the trampoline, regardless of age or experience level.
• Never use the trampoline or supervise trampoline use under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Jump in bare feet. Wearing shoes damages the mat, and socks can cause jumpers to slip and get injured.
• Do not wear clothing with drawstrings or other loose, flowing elements that can get caught on trampoline parts.
• Remove jewelry and any sharp objects in your pockets before jumping.
• Do not allow more than one jumper on the trampoline at a time. Having more than one jumper on the trampoline greatly increases the likelihood of injury, especially for children.
• Do not allow young children to jump on large trampolines. In general, children under 9 years of age should use trampolines that are 8 feet or smaller in diameter. Children under 6 years of age should not use trampolines.
• Teach children to control their bouncing height and landings.
• Do not attempt somersaults, flips, or gymnastic stunts without proper training and supervision. Serious injuries or death can result from attempting gymnastic stunts without training.
• Do not jump toward the edges of the trampoline or net enclosure. Teach children to jump toward the center of the trampoline.
• Use a trampoline ladder to get on and off trampolines that are too high to step on to easily.
• Never jump off of a trampoline. Teach children to get off the trampoline by stopping bouncing, sitting on the edge, and sliding off.
• Remove ladders from trampolines when they’re not in use to prevent young children from climbing onto them without supervision.

Overloading a trampoline with more than its maximum weight capacity can lead to serious injuries, as well as damage to the trampoline.

A trampoline’s maximum weight capacity depends on its shape and size. Check the weight capacity of the trampoline you intend to buy to make sure your jumpers will not exceed it.

The weight capacities of most round and rectangular trampolines vary by size within these ranges:

• Round trampoline: 250–330 lbs.
• Rectangular trampoline: 500 lbs.