Trampoline research doesn’t ground local kids

Trampoline safety has been front and center this week. The American Academy of Pediatrics said Monday that it’s continuing to advise against recreational use. But that hasn’t stopped some local people from getting some air.

But whether it’s in the backyard or at the park, the latest research definitely isn’t grounding kids in eastern Idaho.

Flying high in the sky as they jump on their trampoline, the smiles of the Grant kids of Idaho Falls can turn to tears in a moment. And dad Charles knows that better than anyone – he’s an ER nurse.

“Every summer we see an increase in tramp accidents – broken legs and knees. They can definitely cause some harm,” he said.

But the kids bounce on.

“I think kids need to be kids, if they’re gonna get hurt they can do it on a bike or trampoline,” said Grant. “I think as long as we do our job as parents to keep an eye on them and give them ground rules, all kids can have fun on the trampolines.

That’s the idea at ijump, which has trampolines and foam pits instead of a floor.

“My kids love it, I love it, families love it,” said Jacob Lundquist, who brought ijump to Idaho Falls seven months ago.

“Trampolines are dangerous. There’s no denying that. The way we set our park up and the people that designed it and safety measures help.”

Then there’s “Wee Jump,” an area just for the little kids. Plus, staff are standing guard everywhere.Whether it’s in the backyard or at the park, the latest research on trampoline safety isn’t grounding kids in eastern Idaho.

Ijump said that although the facility has had a few accidents, its accident rating is far below the industry standard.

“The employees are really, really good at what they do,” said Lundquist – so good, they helped reporter Kylie Bearse do her first backflip ever … safely, of course (see video in full-browser view).