DEAR ABBY: I had to write in response to "A Very Disappointed Trampoline Owner" who was upset because he had to buy more insurance to cover himself if he was sued by neighbors whose kids sneaked into his yard and jumped on his trampoline.
You suggested he build a fence and put a lock on it so children couldn't use the trampoline unless they were supervised.
Abby, if "Disappointed" wanted to give his children a fun toy, he may as well have given them a chain saw, because a trampoline is no less dangerous. Supervision doesn't ensure safety.
My sister is a quadriplegic today because of a trampoline mishap she had years ago. She was a trained college gymnast who had spotters watching her when she did a back flip on the trampoline and broke her neck! She never left the trampoline, or hit the sides.
"Disappointed" is afraid an unsupervised child will get hurt and sue him. What happens if his own children get hurt? There will be no one to blame but himself. If he really loves his children, he'll get rid of the trampoline. You may use my name. -- JENIFER WOETZEL, WELCH, MINN.
DEAR JENIFER: I am genuinely sorry about your sister's tragic accident. Because you cared enough to write, millions of readers are now alerted to the potential hazard of trampolines.