Safe Trampoline

Earlier this year, Springfree Trampoline was featured on Family Caregivers Unite, an online radio show hosted by Dr. Gordon Atherley.

Steve, our Chief Bouncing Officer, and Rosemarie, a happy Springfree owner, discussed how Springfree Trampoline can benefit children with special needs. You can listen to the radio show here.

Steve spoke about how Springfree’s safety features add a huge value to the overall health benefits of trampolining. There are a number of health benefits of trampolining and he believes trampolines should exist to create a peace of mind for parents, rather than pose dangers to children. According to Steve, “[His job] as the Chief Bouncing Officer is to create a paradigm shift: to change the definition of the trampoline”.

Rosemarie is a mother of four very energetic boys. Her boys use the Springfree Trampoline every day with all of their friends and neighbours – usually, the problem is getting them off the trampoline! She says the trampoline is a great motivating tool for her boys to get their homework done. It’s also one place where her boys will take the initiative to sweep, which gets them involved in household chores.

Rosemarie’s youngest son, Giuliano, who recently turned 7, is a child with autism and is as energetic as his older brothers. He is sensory sensitive and dislikes noise, which makes the Springfree a perfect trampoline for him. Because there is no squeaky springs, Springfree trampolines are silent when you bounce. Rosemarie says Giuliano can spend hours jumping with pure joy on his face!

Funny enough, one of his favourite jumping activities is listening to “La Bamba” on the iPod. Rosemarie credits this new quirk to the fact that jumping opens him up and energizes him. It encourages Giuliano to try out activities that he would never do otherwise and helps him take positive steps forward.

Rosemarie says with the FlexiNet zipped up, she has no fear that her kids will hurt themselves. She stands back and watches them enjoy themselves in their safe haven.

Springfree Trampoline has been welcomed by autism, cystic fibrosis and Downs syndrome communities as a fun and safe way that children can exercise and receive therapy.

We’d love to hear if you’ve had any first-hand experience with trampolines for children with special needs. Tell us your story!

As Hurricane Sandy approaches the east coast, Springfree Trampoline wants you and your family to keep safe. In a storm, wind can pick up the trampoline mat and carry it away, posing a danger to the safety of families. First and foremost, assess the situation. If you anticipate SEVERE and EXTREME weather, the trampoline should be moved to a sheltered location or disassembled. Here are some additional tips to keep your Springfree safe in inclement weather:

1. Collapse the FlexiNet: We recommend taking down the safety enclosure net to prevent it from getting caught in high winds. You need to remove the enclosure rods from the frame sockets by removing the c-clips and wiggling the rods out of the sockets – this should take 3-5 minutes. The enclosure rods can then collapse down and be removed entirely. If your trampoline has the FlexrHoop, you'll have better access to remove it once the enclosure rods are taken down. The FlexrHoop is clamped on to two of the enclosure rods. You may opt to remove it entirely by using the provided allan key. If you are in a rush, you can just leave it attached the enclosure rods and remove them entirely.

2. Secure the frame: If possible, you should store your trampoline in the garage or inside the house. If this isn't possible, you should secure your trampoline with heavy sand bags so it will stay put. If you are nearby a local dealer, you may want to look into getting our trampoline anchor kit to secure the base of the legs. If you live in an area prone to high winds, it may be advisable to keep them on hand. 

We do NOT recommend placing the trampoline on its side as this will pick up wind more easily. Remember: any trampoline that is not properly anchored has the potential to move and become airborne during severe weather, potentially causing injury and/or damage. Stay safe by taking preventative measures. Watch our videos: www.youtube.com/springfreetrampoline Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content. Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

How times flies when you’re having fun. It’s been nearly a year since we opened our first Experience Centre in Melbourne.

To celebrate our first birthday, we’re throwing a big party of course! And yes we are giving away a Springfree™ Trampoline to one very lucky winner who pops in to celebrate with us.

Here is your invite:

Terms and Conditions:

1^st Birthday R54 Giveaway

This competition is a game of chance. To be eligible entrants must be physically on site at Springfree™ Trampoline Experience Oakleigh South, 1st Birthday Celebrations on the 25^th August 2012, anytime between 10am – 3pm and be over 18 years of age, one entry per person (over 18). The prize is one Springfree™ Trampoline model R54 valued at $985, including delivery to a metropolitan area within Australia only, valued at $70. Total prize value is $1055. Installation is not included in the prize, however may be purchased subject to availability. The prize is not transferable or refundable for cash. Entry closes 2pm EST 25/08/2012, and the prize draw (via Random.org) will take place at 2:45pm on 25/08/2012 at Springfree™ Trampoline Experience Centre Melbourne, 672 Warrigal Road, Oakleigh South. The winner will be announced at 3:00pm at the venue and contacted by phone and email. The winner does not need to be present at the draw. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the winner. Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery of the prize. By entering this competition Springfree™ Trampoline may contact you by email for marketing and promotional purposes following this competition, and you will be given the option to opt out of receiving any further communications. All entry data will remain confidential and will not be shared with any third party. By entering this competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions

This week, Springfree Trampoline made an appearance on The Doctors, a CBS medical talk show.

Our R79 Medium Round 10 ft trampoline was set up outside The Doctors studio in California, where Dr. Jim Sears – the show’s resident pediatrician – jumped on the world’s safest trampoline!

If you missed our appearance, click to watch Dr. Sears jumping on a Springfree Trampoline while explaining trampoline safety rules. He’s one talented multi-tasker!

Dr. Sears raves about the cool features of the Springfree Trampoline, including our trampoline frame underneath the jumping surface and the soft trampoline net that keeps you from falling off. He concludes that Springfree is a “much, much safer trampoline”.

Trampoline safety is an important issue as 100,000 kids in North America are sent to hospitals every year from trampoline injuries.

Dr. Sears and Dr. Travis Stork shared some important trampoline rules for safe jumping:

• One jumper at a time: Multiple jumpers increase the risk of injury from collision. Statistics show that with more than one jumper at a time, the smaller jumpers are almost always the one sustaining an injury.
• Recommended for children older than 6: All jumpers should be in full control of their body movements.
• Parent supervision at all times: Parents, your trampoline is not a babysitter! Ensure that there is a responsible adult supervising the jumper.

What safety rules do you follow to ensure safe jumping in your backyard?

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

How it works:

• Kids must be between the ages of 4 -12 years to be eligible to participate.
• The lesson will run for a maximum of 30 minutes with a professional trampoline instructor.
• One or more parents must remain on site during the lesson (we’ll make it enjoyable for you too!).
• Participating kids will all receive a certificate of completion at the end to keep and show family and friends.

Location: Springfree Trampoline Experience Centre Sydney – 723 Victoria Road (Cnr Little Church St) Ryde NSW 2112

REGISTER NOW to take part. Registrations close 5pm AEDST, Friday 6th January 2012. Spots are limited!

This past Monday we came across an article by Molly Snyder of OnMilwaukee.com regarding trampoline safety. The article concluded,

“Life is dangerous. Trampolines, with rules, are not. Let’s let kids have fun.”

At Springfree Trampoline we believe that spring-based trampolines are an outdated, unnecessary danger. Approximately 100,000 kids are sent to hospitals in North America every year due to injury on spring-based trampolines. We aren’t talking cuts and scrapes – we’re talking broken bones and concussions.

We hear it every day – they can’t be THAT bad? Well, let’s play a game of True or False…

1. Spring-based trampolines can’t be that unsafe if stores have been selling them for years.

False: Currently there are few mandatory trampoline standards. This means manufacturers have no obligation to ensure minimum levels of quality and safety.

2.You have to have a net around it for one thing. That’s the most important feature.

False: While having a trampoline net is important, the net alone is not enough. The enclosures that come with most spring-based trampolines are not made to last and give you a false sense of security. They are held on with large steel poles that drop you right down onto metal springs – not the safety net you were looking for.

3. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that trampolines should never be used in homes, yards or playgrounds.

True: The AAP has a strong stance against spring-based trampolines, and for good reason. Springfree Trampoline is the only trampoline to remove the areas that cause injury – the springs, the hard metal frame at the jumping surface and the risk of falling off. We’re not just trying to sell trampolines – we’re trying to reduce the amount of injuries caused by a popular backyard toy. Part of that effort is working to educate major organizations, like the AAP, about the potential of an alternative design.

Lets go back and review that conclusion…

“Life is dangerous. Trampolines, with rules, are not. Let’s let kids have fun.”

Following the jumping rules doesn’t prevent fun – it prevents injuries. As the world’s safest trampoline we are the first to admit that rules are important when jumping on any trampoline. Our jumper rules are always encouraged and available on our trampoline safety page.

But jumper rules aren’t enough. Springfree Trampoline inventor, Dr. Keith Alexander, said it best:

“Trampolines give you this great bouncing surface that kids want to jump on, but then you surround it with big bars of steel and springs and holes – and it’s the kid’s fault if they hurt themselves.”

With the world’s safest trampoline, there’s no need to worry.

If you want to read more on independent trampoline safety research, visit our library. Leave your comments below and let us know what you think!

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

As you all know, Springfree Trampoline is the number one trampoline for safety. We want your children – whether they’re a ghost, a witch or a superhero – to stay safe this Halloween.

Follow these easy tips for a safe night of trick-or-treating:

• Plan your route with your kids before you head out and be sure to stay in familiar neighborhoods.
• Accompany your children trick-or-treating or ensure that they are under the supervision of a trusted adult.
• Watch out for the jack-o-lanterns on the doorsteps as open flame can be dangerous for young kids. Halloween is one of the top five days for candle fires.
• Stay on the sidewalk as unpaved roads and lawns can be a tripping hazard.
• Look both ways before crossing the street for oncoming traffic.
• Increase visibility of your kids by putting them in brightly colored costumes and by using a flashlight or glowsticks.
• Wear layers to make sure you and your kids are warm and comfortable for the outdoors.

How else do you ensure your children stay safe on Halloween night? Share some tips by commenting.

From all of us at Springfree Trampoline, we wish you a fun and safe Halloween. BOO!

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

As Hurricane Katia approaches the UK, Springfree Trampoline wants you and your family to keep safe. In a storm, wind can pick up the trampoline mat and carry it away, posing a danger to the safety of families.

We definitely don’t want THIS to happen to your trampoline:

First and foremost, assess the situation. If you anticipate SEVERE and EXTREME weather, the trampoline should be moved to a sheltered location or disassembled.

Here are some additional tips to keep your Springfree safe in inclement weather:

• Collapse the FlexiNet. Remove the white C-clips and pull the net rod out of the socket. This takes less than 10 minutes to do and will prevent your net rods from catching high wind.
• Secure the frame. You can use sandbags or a generic anchor kit from a hardware store to ensure your trampoline will stay put in a hurricane.

Remember: any trampoline that is not properly anchored has the potential to move and become airborne during severe weather, potentially causing injury and/or damage. Stay safe by taking preventative measures.

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.co.uk.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

Who wouldn’t want their kid to build confidence, be active, make new friends and learn the value of good sportsmanship? With so many benefits, organized sports have become the after-school activity of choice for kids and parents.

Unfortunately, 70% of children quit organized sports by age 13, according to the National Alliance for Youth Sports. The Springfree Trampoline online team wondered if this statistic had links to stress and pressure from parents, coaches and teammates.

We asked if you thought children’s organized sports were becoming too competitive:

“Definitely too competitive. I find it hard to teach my children that all the fun is in the playing, not the winning.” – Carly from Facebook

“I think we ask our kids to be on select teams far too early. The kids who are starting at 2^nd and 3^rd grade end up missing out on other activities because they are dialed into just one sport. Also, by focusing on one sport there is a great risk of repetitive motion injuries.” – Nanette from Facebook

Child psychology research shows it is possible to start too early when it comes to organized sports. For children under 10, the concepts of competition, effort and ability may be difficult to grasp. At a young age, it’s most important for children to develop passion for a particular sport.

It’s also essential to strike a healthy balance between competition and fun. As a parent, you can take the initiative to reduce competition-related stress for the children. Springfree fan Kerum suggests: “[My son is] only 6, we have run into a few coaches and a few parents who take it way too seriously. Some of the leagues we have played with have a rule to only cheer FOR kids, not against the other team.” What an encouraging rule!

If the stress of competition is overwhelming, try an alternative to organized sports like swimming, rock climbing or jumping on a trampoline! These activities have just as much health and fitness benefits as organized team sports.

For parents, the best thing they can do is set a positive example for their children. A parent’s active lifestyle is a powerful stimulus for a child. When your child follows in your active footsteps, be sure to praise, reward and encourage them.

How do you foster a love of activity in your children?

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.

Sharing similar values to Springfree™ Trampoline, we’ve always loved and continue to support the work that kidsafe do here in Australia… Keeping kids safe!

Kidsafe is the leading non-government, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injuries and provides an information service for parents and carers of children on all aspects of child safety and injury prevention.

Injuries are still the leading cause of death in Australian children aged one to fourteen, accounting for nearly half of all deaths in this age group. More children die of injury than die of cancer, asthma and infectious diseases combined. There is still much more work to be done to reduce this shocking statistic.

In South Australia, the Kidsafe Centre is located in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at North Adelaide. They provide an education, information and resource service on child safety and injury prevention at home, in the backyard, on the road, etc.

There major fundraising function for 2011 is the DIVA Club Ladies Luncheon – ‘DIVAs go Wild @ Sanctuary Adelaide Zoo’ – to be held this Friday 9th September.

We are pleased to help as their major raffle prize for the 2011 DIVA Ladies Luncheon donating– a R54 Compact Round Springfree™ Trampoline.

For more information on Kidsafe SA and the Diva Club, please see http://www.kidsafesa.com.au/.

To buy a Springfree Trampoline visit, www.springfree.com.
To watch our new miniseries, visit www.springfreetrampolinereview.com.
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/springfree for exclusive content.
Follow us on Twitter @springfree to chat with our team.