While trampolines are fantastic tools for getting your kids - or yourself - outdoors and active, often parents and potential trampoline users forget to consider the serious health and safety concerns that go along with trampoline use. Used improperly, trampolines can cause serious and irreparable injuries, ranging from sprained or cracked ankles and wrists, to skull fractures, to the worst of all: broken backs or necks.

The list of potential injuries may sound discouraging, but the idea is that if you use a trampoline properly, you won't need to worry about these kinds of tragic accidents. To avoid these injuries, here are a few things you should avoid doing - and make sure your children don't do - while on a trampoline:

NEVER allow more than one person on the trampoline at once.
Allowing multiple users on a trampoline can result in serious collisions or falls.

NEVER attempt stunts or somersaults while on the trampoline.
As fun as it may be to try and imitate Olympic gymnasts, the difference is that they're trained athletes in a supervised facility. Stunts and somersaults are advanced moves, and landing wrong may result in a broken neck and possible paralysis.

NEVER jump off the trampoline and onto the ground.
Stop jumping, and carefully make your way to the edge of the trampoline to get down. Unless, of course, you were hoping for a broken ankle.

DO remove all loose jewelry, hats, or articles of clothing that might catch in the trampoline springs.
If one of these items falls off while jumping, there is also the potential for slipping on it, which may cause injury.

DO set up your trampoline on a level, clear area with soft ground.
There should be at least 2 meters clearance on all sides of the trampoline, free of things like toys, trees, or laundry lines. Never place the trampoline on a hard surface like concrete, just in case.

DO make sure your trampoline model has shock-absorbing safety pads around the outside edge to cover the hooks, springs and frame.
The safety pads must be a different color from the trampoline bed, so that users can clearly distinguish the edge of the trampoline while jumping.

The first thing you should do before ever stepping onto the trampoline, or allowing anyone else to do so, is to take a walk around the unit and inspect the trampoline for rips, tears, or potential obstructions. While this may seem redundant to do each time, even one small tear could result in a devastating injury. For your own protection and the safety of your family, these few simple precautions can ensure that you and your family have a fun, safe, and enjoyable trampoline experience for years to come!