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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be cautious of bouncy castles

45 replies

Offerdecisionneeded · 02/07/2018 21:34

In light of the horrendous tragedy at the weekend when a poor 3 year old girl lost her life in an inflatable trampoline accident, Aibu to not want my 3 year old to go on one this weekend at a friend’s party?

The news at the weekend is heartbreaking and the pain her mother must be feeling at the moment is unimaginable. There are calls for a government enquiry into how bouncy castles are regulated.

We are due to go to a party and I’ve previously never thought twice about letting my dd on one. Now I’m just not sure.

OP posts:
Hum2 · 02/07/2018 22:18

@crazylittlething

What should we look out for re:staking down? What surfaces should or shouldn't a castle be pitched on? Is sand as useless as I imagine it is for these things?

NataliaOsipova · 02/07/2018 22:18

Guess most things in life are calculated risks

They are. And most people forget this - or cannot get their heads round it. If you were killed in a car accident, it wouldn't make the national news....because these things are so commonplace. Your child is statistically far, far, far more at risk when you put her in the car and drive her to school or to the supermarket. But you do this every day and don't worry about it. Pleas try not to worry and enjoy the party.

londonrach · 02/07/2018 22:20

Yanbu. Bouncy castles arent safe as know of someone who broke a leg on one. Use but with rules eg...no shoes, limit on children on it etc. I cant image how that little girls family is feeling x

crunchymint · 02/07/2018 22:21

People who put up bouncy castles are supposed to be trained to do so. So ask about it.

crazylittlething · 02/07/2018 22:25

Sand is certainly not useless. Trust me sand bags are heavy. We do prefer to be on grass as it puts less wear and tear on the castle. Basically even on the stillest day stakes should be used as castles can move around from kids jumping.
On a windy day we have fastened the guy ropes to our lorry to ensure it didnt move!
I would like to point out not all of us are irresponsible, we take great care to ensure safety. My husband even made the manufacturer of his inflatable slide add more guy ropes and stake points.

MyLearnedFriend · 02/07/2018 22:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

condepetie · 02/07/2018 22:30

Summer Grant died not so long ago when the bouncy castle she was on was not properly secured and blew away with the wind.

You're not being unreasonable to avoid them, especially in unfamiliar situations.

gillybeanz · 02/07/2018 22:31

I think the owner should be made to stay for the duration of the bboking.
This isn't always the case if they aren't an attraction at a public event.
Look out for drunk parents too, the ones who think they know all about inflatables, half the time the accidents I saw, all minor injuries or knocks were from parents mucking about with the equipment and too many kids so they bump. Kids falling off or being pushed off etc, landing on top of another one.
My kids loved them as do lots of kids, if they are used responsibly and H&S observed they are quite safe.

Tjzmummabear · 02/07/2018 22:32

my eldest son is 12. he was a beaver in and got to meet Bear Grylls, Chief Scout (allegedly Don't even get me started on his credentials!). allegedly.. Pretty sure Baden- Powell didn't disappear off to a hotel when he was camping on the IOW...the bouncy castle blew over and my son was on free activities and he'd chosen the climbing wall. He saw everything. He had nightmares for a year after. He said the boys and girls on it as it blew away. That a girl beaver was really hurt and didn't move when the grown-ups talked to her. (Assume paramedics)

Thankfully the children all survived. The girl beaver my son thought had "gone to Heaven". She hadn't. my son said he didnt like the look of the castle and had chosen another activity the wall -at Cumbaree.

I don't let any of my 3 go on bc anymore. The 1 in this case rolled for quite awhile.
www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/10414284.Four_children_hurt_after_inflatables__blow_over__at_Scout_activity_day_at_Crooklands/

lardymclardy · 02/07/2018 22:33

This is just such awful news and my thoughts have been with that poor little girls family all day.

I first saw the news last night showing the big white and blue slide, so it wasn't this that exploded then? I don't think I've seen an inflatable trampoline - were they continuously filling it with air and it had nowhere to go, or was it the heat that made the difference and if so why?

Sorry questions questions, I am feeling a bit thick about it all, we have a local fair coming up and DD saw the news this morning and we've both agreed she stays off the inflatables in this heat.

Cherrysherbet · 02/07/2018 22:37

We also own a bouncy castle company. As a pp said, this tragic accident was caused by a trampoline surround exploding. This was NOT a bouncy castle accident. The surround was a sealed unit, where the air inside must have expanded to such an extent that it caused it to burst. It would be impossible for this to happen to a bouncy castle, as the seams are not sealed, and they need a blower running continuously to keep them inflated. Every seam leaks air.

The little girls family must be absolutely devastated. It's just awful.

For all those worried about their children using bouncy castles, please do some research before hand. ALWAYS use a reputable company when hiring. Make sure they have valid PL insurance, and that each inflatable has a current test certificate. Inflatables should always be pegged down using all anchor points, and should NEVER be used in windy conditions. Bouncy castles are safe, as long as they are supervised properly, and set up by an experienced person.

NEVER be worried about asking a hirer about safety.

MyLearnedFriend · 02/07/2018 22:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

zozozoo · 02/07/2018 22:39

Unfortunately there are still operators out there who refuse to bother with weighting down bouncy castles correctly even after a major incident see for example the incident on the isle of man two or three years ago. Calculate the risk by learning what precautions the operators should be taking and keep an eye on things!

AgentHannahWells · 02/07/2018 22:39

So awful for the little girl and her family.

We have hired bouncy castles for parties and the firm supplies a list of rules. We are v strict about following them. No big kids with small kids, things like that. When used safely they are great fun.

crazylittlething · 02/07/2018 22:42

Purely speculation but from looking at pictures of the trampoline. My husband noticed the pump still looked attached. If it was indeed still pumping air in then UNLIKE a bouncy castle the air had nowhere to go so it may have been over- inflated. However until the investigation is over we won't know.

Original poster
Offerdecisionneeded · 02/07/2018 22:49

Thanks to all the posters who know more about this than me - esp the ones with their own bouncy castle businesses.

OP posts:
Ohyesiam · 02/07/2018 22:51

I was told this weekend by the bouncy castle operator at the school fair that the recent incident where the child tragically died when the wind blew away the bouncy castle, it had been staked to the ground, but the ground was so wet it was inadequate.
She reckoned that current best practice is not to use them in winds stronger tham18 mph. They won’t set up in that scenario.

gillybeanz · 02/07/2018 23:20

I heard it was the end of the day and they were un pegging it, but allowed one last go for the little girl.
Unless this is a different girl. The couple were charged and found guilty of manslaughter and are serving a sentence.

Pallando · 03/07/2018 11:46

Bouncy castles and other inflatables should have a yearly test and have a "Pipa" sticker on them. You can check whether the bouncy castle has been tested by entering the sticker number here www.pipa.org.uk,

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