BY JAMIE TUROW
Taking the kids to a trampoline park is one popular way to spend an afternoon tiring them out, however, there are some risks and safety measures that need to be addressed. On Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, 30-year-old Scott Walker died from a broken neck after jumping off a trampoline into a foam pit at SKYPARK Indoor Trampoline Park in Phoenix. This tragedy has reinforced the importance of safety involving any type of potentially dangerous equipment.

According to abc15.com, SKYPARK management released a statement on Facebook, which included the comment, “Safety has been, and remains, of the utmost importance to SKYPARK.”

Chelsea Burns, tumbling director at North Valley Gymnastics in Phoenix, with nine years of competitive coaching experience, offers trampoline safety tips that are critical for people of all ages to follow.
•    Always supervise children who use a trampoline
•    Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time
•    Do not allow the trampoline to be used without padding that completely covers the springs, hooks and the frame
•    Never jump off a trampoline, always climb off
•    Keep your bouncing low and under control

Burns contributed to the start of Trampoline & Tumbling (T&T), a unique new program, in the state or Ariz. T&T classes involve techniques learned on trampolines that are directly applicable to any aerial, gymnastic or tumbling pursuit, according to Charlotte Shaff, public relations for North Valley Gymnastics. Learn more about North Valley Gymnastics at northvalleygymnastics.com.