SAFETY EXPERTS WARN PARENTS ON GARDEN TRAMPOLINES DURING HEATWAVE

Safety experts have issued guidance to parents with garden trampolines as the UK prepares for a heatwave coinciding with the school summer holidays. Alex McMullan, Product Designer at Outdoortoys, stated that rising temperatures can alter how trampolines behave, with warm weather making trampoline mats and springs slightly more elastic. This creates a bouncier surface than children may be accustomed to, potentially affecting how high they bounce and increasing the chance of awkward landings. McMullan advised parents to ensure only one child uses the trampoline at a time and to supervise play at all times.

Extended periods of hot, dry weather can cause ground to harden and shrink, which may reduce the stability of anchor points securing trampolines, football goals and larger climbing frames, according to McMullan. Parents should regularly check that anchors remain firmly in place and re-secure them if the ground has become loose or cracked. Wooden play equipment requires monitoring during prolonged dry periods, as insufficient rainfall can cause timber to become parched, potentially resulting in minor cracks, splinters or loosened fastenings. Plastic equipment can also be affected, with extreme heat softening certain materials over time and causing parts to warp, weaken or become more brittle as they cool.

Metal equipment including swings, climbing grips and monkey bars can heat up considerably after only a few hours in direct sunlight. McMullan recommended testing the temperature of these surfaces before children come into contact with them. Parents are advised to give climbing frames, slides and steps a quick inspection during heatwaves to ensure nothing has shifted, cracked or become loose.