The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants

you and your family to be safe when using trampolines. The CPSC

estimates that in 1996 there were 83,000 hospital emergency room-

treated injuries associated with trampolines. About 75 percent of

the victims were under 15 years of age, and 10 percent were under

5 years of age. Since 1990, CPSC has received reports of 6 deaths

involving trampolines. Injuries and deaths were caused by:

-- Colliding with another person on the trampoline.

-- Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the

trampoline.

-- Falling or jumping off the trampoline.

-- Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.

Almost all of the trampolines associated with injuries were

at private homes, usually in back-yards. Most of the injuries

occurred on full-size trampolines.Here are the steps you can take

to help prevent serious trampoline injuries, especially sprains,

fractures, scrapes, bruises, and cuts:

-- Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.

-- Do not attempt or allow somersaults.

-- Do not allow trampoline to be used without shock-absorbing

pads that completely cover the springs, hooks, and the

frame.

-- Place the trampoline away from structures and other play

areas.

-- Do not use a ladder with the trampoline because it provides

unsupervised access by small children. No child under 6

years of age should use a full-size trampoline.

-- Always supervise children who use a trampoline.