Bounce House Safety Rules: Bounce With Confidence With These Safety Tips

A bounce house party promises hours of fun, but a tragedy can happen in an instant, causing serious injuries, such as broken bones and concussions. According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 30 kids get hurt in bounce houses every day—that’s about one child every 45 minutes. 

Some injuries may be unpreventable, but many can be avoided by following inflatable safety rules, observing ride activity and understanding how personal situations can affect the ride.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important bounce house safety rules, including proper setup, and supervision. By following these tips, you can confidently bounce and enjoy a fun and safe inflatable rental experience. 

Inflatable Safety Rules Inside The Structure

Do Not Leave Children Without Adult Supervision

Adult supervision is required at all times when the inflatable is in use. If unsupervised, the inflatable must be deflated and the power source turned off. Make sure the supervisor is easy to identify.

Shoes Prohibited

Users must remove their shoes before entering the inflatable game. Shoes can hurt other players if they land badly when falling. A user wearing shoes will dirty the bounce house (footprints) and may even permanently damage certain elements of the bounce house.

For example, the tarpaulins of the slide descents will be subjected to too much friction if a user has not removed their shoes. To remind people of this rule, we advise you to install floor mats at the entrance to your inflatable game to encourage children to remove their shoes and leave them at the foot of the mat.    

Do Not Ride on The Inflatable Walls

It is strictly forbidden to climb on any surface that is not part of the play area: towers, openings, walls, etc. The inflatable walls are high enough to avoid this kind of situation. These walls are also called Containment Walls, and for a good reason: they help secure the play area and keep users within the structure.

It is, of course, forbidden to climb these protective walls. Likewise, it is forbidden to climb the inflatable walls or hang on to them to jump to the outside of the game. Trying to exit the inflatable game by climbing the inflatable walls is very dangerous. Players can hurt themselves badly by falling back to the ground outside the structure.  

Ban Rough Play

Rough play is prohibited in inflatable games: fighting, jumping or pushing other players are dangerous and very unpleasant for the players.  

Do Not Mix Different Age Groups of Users

Be careful not to mix several age groups within your inflatable games. The older, more agitated ones will not necessarily pay attention to the younger ones who are discovering the game within an inflatable structure. Never allow adults to use equipment that is not specifically intended for them.  

Animals Prohibited

Animals are not allowed inside the inflatable structures. They can damage the game with their claws or teeth.  

No Phones or Tablets Allowed

Using phones or tablets inside the inflatable is not allowed. These devices can distract users from their surroundings, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, phones and tablets can get damaged if dropped or stepped on. To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, it’s best to keep electronic devices outside the inflatable play area. 

Food Prohibited in Inflatable Games

Food, drinks and chewing gum are prohibited for several reasons. The main one is, of course, the risk of choking if the user jumps and falls with food in their mouth.

In addition, in terms of cleanliness, food remains, and drink splashes will dirty the game. This is certainly not the most suitable place for a small snack. 

Blunt Objects Prohibited

Sharp objects can permanently damage the inflatable. It is also best to remove glasses, watches and jewelry so as not to damage them during the game. 

Don’t Roll Over

Some acrobatics are prohibited in inflatable structures, such as rolling or handstands. The soft and bouncy ground of inflatable games is not suitable for practicing gymnastic figures.    

Avoid Obstructing The Entrance or Exit of The Inflatable Game

Staying too close to the entrance of the game can prevent other children from being able to enter the inflatable game. Once the slide is finished, the children must clear the exit area so that the next ones have room to slide and arrive safely at the bottom of the descent. 

Inflatable Safety Rules Outside The Structure

To ensure a safe and enjoyable bounce house experience, it’s important to follow these bounce house safety tips when setting up the structure outdoors: 

Place the Inflatable on a Flat Surface

Always set up the inflatable on a flat, level surface to keep it stable during use. An uneven surface can cause the inflatable to tip or shift, increasing the risk of injury.    

Clear the Area of Rocks, Sticks, and Other Objects

Before setting up, remove any rocks, sticks, or objects like sprinkler systems that may stick up from the ground. These items can damage the inflatable or cause injuries to users.   

Ensure Open Space Around the Inflatable

Leave enough open space on all sides of the inflatable. This provides room for users to safely enter, exit, and move around the structure.    

Avoid Tree Branches and Power Lines

Place the inflatable away from any tree branches or power lines. These can pose serious hazards if users jump too high or inflatable shifts during use.   

Use a Soft Surface for Hard Ground Setups

If setting up the inflatable on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt, place a soft surface like mats or foam padding around the entrance and exit areas. This helps prevent injuries from falls or trips when getting in or out of the inflatable.       

Bounce House Safety Rules for Parents

When your child is enjoying a bounce house, as a parent, it’s important to ensure that kids are following the rules and playing in a way that keeps everyone safe. Here are some key inflatable safety guidelines to keep in mind to make sure your child has a fun and secure experience in the inflatable play structure.  

Teach Children Proper Play Behavior

Encourage kids to take turns, be mindful of others, and always jump within the designated play area. This will ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time in the bounce house.     

Encourage Safe Activities

Discourage dangerous behavior like climbing on the walls or attempting flips. These actions can lead to injuries, so it’s important to remind children to play safely and follow the rules.   

Clothing and Footwear Safety

Make sure kids are wearing appropriate clothing—nothing with sharp objects or anything that could get caught. Also, remember that shoes are not allowed inside the bounce house as they can damage the surface and cause injuries.    

Weather Safety Tips for Inflatable Party

Rain, Wind, or Thunderstorms

If it starts to rain, gets windy, or becomes very cold, deflate the inflatable structure right away. If children are playing, have them exit the inflatable immediately to keep them safe from injuries.

According to the AFNOR standard, inflatable structures should not be used outdoors when the wind speed exceeds 38 km/h. If the wind reaches this speed, stop using the inflatable and deflate it quickly to avoid accidents.

For better safety, consider using an anemometer—a device that accurately measures wind speed. This will help you monitor conditions and keep the inflatable playground safe for everyone.   

Heat

Inflatable structures can get very hot when used outdoors in direct sunlight during high temperatures.

A 2015 American study found that the inside of a closed inflatable (with a roof) can be up to 3.5°C hotter than the outside temperature.

Here are some bounce house safety tips to stay safe during hot weather:

• Place inflatables in shaded areas whenever possible.
• If your inflatable has a removable roof, take it off to improve airflow.
• Remind users to rehydrate children every 30 minutes.
• Watch for signs of heat stroke like fatigue, slurred speech, fever, or nausea. If a child shows these signs, remove them from the inflatable, place them in the shade, and ensure they drink water.  

Final Words

Bounce houses can provide hours of fun and excitement for kids, but safety should always be the top priority. By following the proper inflatable safety rules both inside and outside the structure, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for all. Supervision, appropriate clothing, and a focus on safe play are crucial steps for minimizing risks.

Additionally, when planning a bounce house party, be sure to choose a reputable rental company. A trusted bounce house rental provider prioritizes safety by ensuring their equipment is properly maintained, following safety guidelines, and offering expert setup.

With the right precautions in place, you and your family can enjoy the fun without worry, making every bounce a safe and enjoyable one!