1. Maintain Constant Supervision

Supervision is the most important safety measure. An adult should always oversee children playing in the bounce house. This person should stay focused, have a clear view of the activity, and ideally have basic first aid knowledge to handle minor injuries like scrapes or more serious incidents if needed.

For children under 10, supervision is especially crucial, as they often lack the awareness to recognize potentially dangerous actions. While they may seem resilient, small injuries can quickly escalate without proper oversight.

2. Ensure Proper Setup

If you rent a bounce house, ensure the rental company handles the setup and secures it correctly. A poorly anchored inflatable can be hazardous, especially in windy conditions. For those setting up their own bounce house, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure it’s stable and secure.

3. Check for Compliance and Insurance

Before renting a bounce house, verify that the rental company is insured and complies with local laws and regulations. If you own one, familiarize yourself with any local guidelines regarding its use. These rules help protect everyone involved in case of an incident.

4. Prohibit Restricted Items

To maintain safety inside the bounce house, enforce strict rules about what can and cannot enter:

Sharp objects: These can puncture the inflatable and injure children.
Food and drinks: These are choking hazards and can create slippery surfaces.
Hard toys or accessories: Items like blocks, dolls, or glasses can cause injuries if landed on.
Jewelry: Items such as necklaces or earrings can catch on surfaces or hurt the wearer.
Have the supervising adult check children for prohibited items before they enter.

5. Monitor and Restrict Activities

Encourage kids to jump and bounce safely. Roughhousing, flips, or somersaults can lead to injuries. The supervisor should intervene if play becomes too intense or unsafe.

6. Enforce a “Shoes Off” Policy

Shoes can damage the bounce house, hurt other children, and bring in dirt or debris. Make sure all children remove their shoes before entering.

7. Choose a Safe Location

Set up the bounce house on a flat, open area with adequate space around it. Avoid locations with low-hanging branches, power lines, or uneven ground. A grassy yard is ideal, as it provides a softer surface than concrete or pavement.

8. Select an Appropriate Size

The size of the bounce house should match the age and number of children using it. For mixed-age groups, consider segmenting playtime or renting separate inflatables to prevent larger kids from overwhelming smaller ones.

9. Limit the Number of Participants

Adhere to the bounce house’s capacity limits, typically listed in the manufacturer’s guidelines. Overcrowding increases the risk of collisions and injuries.

10. Decide on Water Use

Some inflatables are designed for water, but not all. Before adding water-based activities, confirm with the rental company or manufacturer that the bounce house is safe for wet use. Remember that wet inflatables must be thoroughly dried before storage to prevent mold.

11. Monitor Weather Conditions

Be mindful of the weather.

• On hot days, ensure the bounce house surface doesn’t overheat, as it can cause burns.
• In windy conditions, deflate the bounce house if winds exceed its safety rating (typically 15-25 mph).
• Avoid using the bounce house during storms or heavy rain.

12. General Safety Guidelines

Ultimately, the key to a safe bounce house experience is supervision and adherence to basic safety rules:

• Monitor children’s activities closely.
• Prohibit dangerous items and behaviors.
• Ensure proper setup and placement.

By following these guidelines, you can provide a fun and secure environment where kids can enjoy hours of bouncing excitement!