RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. -- Jump houses and inflatable rides are growing in popularity, and the number of injuries related to them is rising, too, Sacramento television station KCRA reported.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 1,300 injuries in 1997. Last year, that number rose to 4,900.

Three-year-old Eli Stern was one of those injuries. He broke his leg on an indoor inflatable slide.

"He couldn't bear any weight on his leg. He was screaming. He was clearly in a lot of distress," said Beth Stern, Eli's mother.

The accident happened at Pump It Up -- an indoor inflatables arena in Rancho Cordova.

"I think Pump it Up is one of the safest places you can bring your kids to play," said Pump It Up representative Robin Fine.

Every jumper at the business has to watch a safety video and follow posted safety rules. Employees monitor jumpers. And rides are anchored to concrete.

But accidents do happen.

Fine said that almost 3 million children have attended parties or events in 100 Pump It Up facilities nationwide. Records show one injury for every 12,500 children. Parents sign a waiver, assuming risk.

There are a few things parents should look for when letting their children go on inflatables, the station said.

Look to see if the outdoor rental equipment is in good condition and anchored securely -- many injuries happen when the structures blow or tip over.

Also, look for warning labels and follow them.

For homeowners who have inflatable events on their property, homeowner's insurance should cover accidents, but it is advised to check with an agent.

Eli's mother said she was careful and considers what happened a freak accident. But she said she'll look before Eli leaps onto an inflatable ride again.

As a rule, insurance experts said most people don't carry enough liability insurance, and an increase would add minimal cost.