“Monkey See, Monkey Do”

Remember: One of the most common errors that people make when operating bouncers is overcrowding.

Supervision of inflatable devices is a must. Inflatable devices must be supervised by at least one responsible adult at all times. At least two or three attendants should supervise devices that involve obstacles or “blind spots”.

The manual supplied with the device will state a minimum number of required attendants. Manufacturers will also specify a maximum capacity, and minimum and/or maximum height restriction for patrons.

“Bouncy castles” generally have a capacity of two to six children. Obstacle courses or “races” are designed for two to four children, one permitted per side, while slides are generally designed for one child on the slide. Safety rules will be supplied with the manuals and should be reviewed.

When person-to-person contact is possible, children should be permitted in the bouncer only with other children of similar age and/or physical ability. Countless injuries and broken bones occur every year to children who are hit or kicked by older, more agile kids.

Manufacturers will also recommend a minimum height for children, as obstacles in devices can pose suffocation or entrapment hazards to small children. Slides must be supervised, as patrons must only be permitted down the slide one at a time, feet first, and in a seated position. Children by nature, are not satisfied with simply sliding down the slide, and without supervision, quickly escalate the sliding configuration to head first karate flips and body slams, falsely trusting that the soft and “bouncy” surface will protect them from injury.