Leisure Safety Department
Frequently Asked Questions - Leisure Safety
The following topics are taken from analysis of our enquiries as to the most commonly asked questions on leisure safety. If you do not find what you are looking for or think that there is an important FAQ missing please contact us online or on 0121 248 2000.
Can you advise me about which trampoline to buy?
RoSPA does not keep a list of trampoline manufacturers or details on specific makes of trampolines. For trampoline safety advice please see our Trampoline Safety Fact Sheet.
What can I do to make sure my children are safe using Heelys?
Heelys have been blamed for an increase of children in accident and emergency. Our Heely Safety Information Sheet provides guidance on how your children can use heelys safely.
How can I decrease the possibility of injuring myself when I go snowboarding?
The right preparation, gear, skills and knowledge will benefit you greatly when it comes to snowsports. Read what you should know before you go.
What should I do if I am caught outside in lightning?
There are some precautions you can take to decrease your risk of being struck by lightning, and these can be found in our Lightning Safety Information Sheet.
A local sports club is encroaching on my premises, what can I do?
If a sports club is encroaching on your property, for example golf balls or cricket balls are frequently flying over into your property, in the first instance you should approach the sports development team in your local council. It may also be worth contacting the president of the sports club in question and relaying your concerns to them, particularly if the club is privately owned.
Where can I find statistics relating to victims of leisure accidents?
RoSPA has access to the DTI Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System (HASS/LASS) database. Unfortunately in 2002 the Government withdrew its funding for this database and the data has not been collected since, so the latest leisure statistics are for 2002. The database does not contain fatalities and is sample data, taken from a sample of 16-18 UK hospitals from 1978-2002. The RoSPA Infocentre can provide you with details from this database, and can be contacted by the contact form or by telephone on 0121 248 2066.
I'm hiring a bouncy castle, how can I ensure it will be safe?
Read how to recognise a well run bouncy castle, and what to think about when hiring or using your own in our bouncy castle fact sheet. For further information you can also contact RoSPA Play Safety by telephone 01367244600, or fill out a 
contact form.
What do we need to think about for a sponsored walking event?
Organising a sponsored walking event takes a large amount of preparation both in determining the course itself and in health and safety measures that must be considered. It includes location and route planning, determining the hazards of the activity of long-distance walking and hazards specific to the location, and ways to eliminate or reduce the risk they pose. The health and safety of participants in the event must be ensured as much as is reasonably practicable.
Further advice on sponsored walking may be found at the following links:
RoSPA's advice for charity 'on road' walks
Ramblers Association - Organising Walking Events
The Countryside Code (for England)
What should we have in place for our event in case of lightning?
For outdoor events such as golf tournaments, or fishing competitions, lightning is a factor that must be included in the risk assessment. Control measures and further advice is set out in our Lightning Safety Information Sheet.
What can I do to reduce the risk of accidents at our skateboard park?
RoSPA has some recommended steps that can be taken to make it less likely that you will be found negligent towards skateboarders, in the case of litigation.
Where can mini motorbikes be used safely and legally?
Advice on the safe use of mini motorbikes can be found in our Mini Motorbike Information Sheet. Safety guidelines for setting up an area for the use of mini motorbikes can be obtained from the Auto-Cycle Union Ltd. (ACU). We would suggest that you talk to a local bike club to see if there is a possibility of some kind of partnership in providing this type of facility.
Useful links include:
UK Motorcycle Industry Association
Amateur Motorcycle Association
ACU Best Practice Guidelines for the operation & management of off road motorcycle facilities.
We have a structure used for play purposes, who can inspect it for safety?
Playground safety is dealt with through RoSPA Play Safety who are based in Faringdon. All enquiries regarding playground inspections, or general advice relating to any type of play feature such as multi-ball courts, skateboard parks, soft-play or hard-play areas can be directed to RoSPA Play Safety online or on 01367 244 600.
Contact the Leisure Safety Department by telephone on 0121 248 2000 or fill out a contact form.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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