Doctors warn parents about trampolines

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Many families have them set up in their backyards. And while they're a lot of fun, especially for kids, doctors are sounding the alarm about trampolines.

Fewer families use trampolines than just eight years ago, but injuries are still frequent. And they are serious enough for the Journal of Pediatrics to put out another warning to parents.

The home with the trampoline is often the object of envy of every kid on the block. But the Journal of Pediatrics has long held the same opinion of the bouncy backyard canvases: that they are dangerous for kids.

Pediatrics re-affirmed its position in a new report. The latest numbers show in 2009, 98,000 people were hurt on trampolines. More than 3,000 were hospitalized. And nearly half the injuries are fractures or dislocations.

The majority of those hurt are kids and children 5-years-old and younger are at the greatest risk.

"They're a fun activity, but they come at an expense," says Dr. Kathleen Lillis, the president and medical director of Pediatric and Adolescent Urgent Care of Western New York.

She points out the Journal of Pediatrics released similar statements about trampolines in 1981 and 1999. But every year she continues to see a lot of kids with trampoline injuries.

"I think they are sometimes falsely reassured by the netting, thinking that took care of the concerns that were raised in the past," Dr. Lillis says.

Indoor trampoline parks are growing in popularity. The statement adds they are better, when combined with appropriate coaching, supervision and safety measures in place.

Seventy-five percent of trampoline injuries happen when more than one kid jumps at a time. In Cheektowaga, Sky Zone only allows just one person on each trampoline. The owners welcome the new published statement.

"I think it's a great thing. And I say that because I think as parents, we want to keep our kids safe. And I think that's a big deal and I think that's the number one reason Sky Zone exists," says Sky Zone owner Rhonda See.

Dr. Lillis has seen injuries from trampoline parks as well and suggests regardless where kids use trampolines, parents use caution. She gave these tips for parents: set rules, such as only allowing one kid to jump at a time, and don't allow stunts like back flips.

Most importantly, she says to always supervise the kids while they jump.