Inflatable Jumpers Can Be Dangerous If Not Properly Monitored

Inflatable Jumpers have become a staple for birthday parties and other celebrations. But while these enticing play structures may seem harmless, they can be dangerous if not properly monitored.

Injuries caused by bounce houses can be prevented, with proper adult supervision and age restrictions. The safest bounce houses are manufactured with finger-safe netting and made of durable materials.

Safety Concerns

Bounce houses are a staple at many children’s birthday parties, but they can pose some serious safety risks. According to a CHOC-led study, between 2005 and 2013, more than 18,000 children were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to inflatable play structures. Injuries from bounce houses, also known as moon bounces or inflatable amusements, most often involve fractures of the arms, legs and hands. The majority of these injuries are caused by overcrowding and the use of inflatables by children of different sizes and ages at the same time.

Safety experts recommend setting up the inflatable on a flat surface with no hills or slopes, at least 5 feet bigger all around than the size of the inflatable. Moreover, the area should be free from obstacles such as trees, rocks, power lines and bushes and should be cleared of debris such as branches, trash or animal droppings.

It is also advisable to have an adult supervise the children at all times and to enforce rules regarding use of the bounce house. For example, there should be no tumbling or flipping inside the inflatable, and children must slide down the slides one at a time with feet first to avoid injury. In addition, children should remove footwear, jewelry and other accessories that could puncture or damage the bounce house.

Weather Concerns

While bounce houses and inflatable slides are a staple at backyard parties and carnivals, they can pose serious safety concerns under certain weather conditions. Serious injuries have occurred as a result of using these devices in windy conditions, and avoiding them should be a priority for anyone renting out inflatables.

Bounce houses and moonbounces are typically made of vinyl, which is great for keeping kids cool while they play, but it’s not so great when it comes to rain. Wet vinyl is a recipe for slippage and falling, which can be extremely dangerous for children. Even a small drizzle could cause major issues, so it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast before setting up any inflatables.

Another big concern is lightning and thunderstorms. While most inflatables can withstand light rain, it’s imperative to evacuate the Inflatable Jumpers ride immediately if you notice lightning or hear thunder. This isn’t just to ensure the safety of everyone inside the bounce house; it also prevents the unit from becoming a lightning rod and electrocuting people outside. Once the threat of lightning has passed, it’s safe to re-inflate the unit and resume activities.

Maintenance Concerns

Often, bounce houses and water slides require maintenance to keep them functioning at their best. For example, staking down inflatables to prevent them from blowing away in high winds is important. This not only improves the life expectancy of an inflatable but also ensures children’s safety.

Other common repairs include repairing seams that open up. Tape such as flex or gorilla may work for a short time, but it doesn’t hold up over the long term and can leave sticky residues on the inflatable. Our expert repair crews will not only patch holes but can also reinforce and rebuild the areas that have been damaged.

Tie down anchor points on inflatables can also become stressed over the course of regular use. These areas can tear or dry rot, which can lead to stitching pulling loose. Our noninvasive repair process includes reinforcing these areas with new 18oz commercial-grade vinyl to prevent the problem from recurring.

Bounce house rental companies should make sure their staff and customers understand how to properly set up and use their equipment. They should also follow labeled safety rules, and local and state regulations regarding inflatable use. Additionally, in the wake of recent incidents in Arizona with a fly-away bounce house and in New York with three inflatables going airborne, it’s vital that bounce house owners and renters are mindful of safety issues.

Cleaning Concerns

Inflatable jumpers can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can make children sick. That’s why it is important to clean and sanitize them regularly. Here are some tips to help you do so.

The first step is to perform a visual inspection of the inflatable and its detachable parts. This will give you a Inflatable Jumpers good idea of the amount of work ahead and what supplies you will need to complete the task. It is also a good time to look for any noticeable damage such as punctures, tears, or mold.

Once you’ve completed a visual inspection, it’s time to start the “dry phase” of cleaning. Begin by sweeping the entire surface of the commercial bounce house and its detachable parts. Be sure to pay special attention to crevices and areas behind flaps where debris can hide.

Next, remove any small items like sticks, candy wrappers, crayons, or jewelry from the bouncy castle. Be sure to look for any large clumps of dirt or other debris that may be stuck in the corners or in the seams of the inflatable. Finally, wipe down all the surfaces of the bouncy castle using a soft bristle brush or a sponge, being careful not to scuff the vinyl.