Holiday Claim Fears over Bouncy Castle Danger
Bouncy Castles are associated with fun, excitement and the laughter of children. Inflatable rides of all kinds are on the increase; from slides, to ball pools. Bouncy castles and inflatable swimming toys are such a part of the British summer holiday that it is hard for parents to see them as a threat.
According to accident prevention charities, inflatable rides are among the most dangerous attractions for children, and have been involved in several high profile holiday claim stories.
Jim Barber, is the US spokesman for the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials. Speaking about inflatable children’s rides he said:
“You see more injuries on inflatable’s than almost any other amusement ride you can think of — more than roller coasters.”
Are Bouncy Castles Really a Holiday Claim Risk?
Children in the UK and Overseas have been injured on inflatables. In Jacksonville, Florida, an inflatable bouncy castle blew into a nearby pond with a 5-year-old girl still inside it. The accident happened so suddenly that family members and neighbours only just saved the girl from drowning.
“All of a sudden the wind came from nowhere and it blew over in the lake with my daughter inside of it,” said the girl’s mother
Common Accidents on Bouncy Castles:
Children are frequently injured by:
- Bumping into other children
- Falling off the bouncy castle
- Tumbling from inflatable slides
- Becoming tangled or burnt by netting
- Landing badly during unsupervised ‘gymnastics’
- Bouncing on stones or glass if the castle isn’t correctly inflated
These minor injuries can lead to cuts and bruises, concussion, broken bones, sprain ligaments, scarring, and permanent eye damage.
Common Causes of Death and Serious Injury on Bouncy Castles:
Death on a Bouncy Castle is rare, but usually caused by:
- Fire
- ‘Blowing away’ on a loose castle – leading to drowning or suffocation
- Broken necks after bad falls
- Spinal injuries
- Brain injury following a knock to the head
- Suffocation in deflated plastic
- Strangulation in the netting
Children and adults can be injured on inflatable rides because of somebody else’s negligence. Many owners of inflatable attractions have been prosecuted over the years for their poor health and safety standards.