Thinking of renting an inflatable bounce house? Recent research shows that even light winds can blow inflatables and cause serious injury and death.
A team of researchers from the University of Georgia analyzed various news and weather sources and documented 132 cases of wind-related incidents worldwide between 2000 and 2021. These incidents resulted in at least 479 injuries and at least 28 dead The injuries, according to a UGA news release, are in addition to the estimated 10,000 annual emergency room visits related to bounce house incidents, most of which result in broken bones, concussions and muscle sprains.
The researchers also found that less than half of US states have specific bounce house statutes and regulations. Of those that do, 19 use the ASTM international standard of 25 mph maximum wind speed for safe operation of bounce houses (unless they have been certified by a professional engineer). The problem: One-third of documented incidents occurred in winds of 20 mph or less.
To limit injuries, lead study author John Knox recommends using stakes to secure bounce houses and even attaching sandbags. An adult must be present at all times and monitor local wind speed and weather conditions.
“These bounce houses are not something you set up and then forget to stake in the ground,” Knox said in the release. “What could go wrong? The answer is that it could blow with winds that are nowhere near severe levels.”
The study was published online in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.
