Trampoline parks have seen rapid growth over the past few years, with over 200 in operation across major towns and cities. Hundreds of thousands of customers have now enjoyed them, however communities have seen a rise in visits to A&E because of accidents at the parks, some of which have been very serious.
Trampoline parks are classed as Category B adventurous activities which means Somerset Council’s Outdoor Education Advisor does not endorse these visits and the rationale includes:
- Increased injury risks, including life-altering injuries from flips and somersaults.
- Lack of adequate supervision and the non-binding nature of waivers signed by participants.
- Non-membership of many parks in accredited safety organisations like the International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP).
- Lack of educational value aligned with curriculum goals.
- Exclusion from endorsed provider lists on the EEC system.
Our advice is for External Visit Coordinators to decline trampoline park applications for the reasons outlined in this article. Furthermore, the British Activity Provider Association (BAPA) has paused accreditation for the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge for trampoline parks due to:
- Poor compliance with ISO 23659 construction standards.
- Inadequate inspection opportunities.
- Concerns from local authorities and education advisers
Learn more:
SC Outdoor Education Advice
How to complete an Accident Report on EEC
Trampoline parks guidance from RoSPA
Trampoline park owners fined after 270 people injured with 11 suffering broken backs | The Independent
