Bouncy castle firms urged to sign new safety pledge following child deaths

New UK safety charter aims to prevent further tragedies involving inflatable attractions following a series of fatal accidents in Britain and overseas

Bouncy castle operators across Britain are being urged to sign a new safety pledge following a series of devastating accidents involving inflatable attractions that have claimed the lives of children.

The Professional Inflatable Play Association (PIPA) will launch its Inflatable Safety Charter on 7 October, calling on manufacturers, hire companies, operators and event organisers to commit to higher safety standards.

The initiative comes after several high-profile tragedies, including the death of seven-year-old Summer Grant, who was killed when strong winds lifted a bouncy castle and blew it hundreds of metres across a park in Essex in 2016.

Two fairground workers were subsequently convicted of gross negligence manslaughter and jailed.

In 2018, three-year-old Ava-May Littleboy died after an inflatable trampoline exploded on a Norfolk beach, throwing her into the air.

PIPA’s new charter sets out nine principles covering equipment inspections, safe installation, appropriate supervision, weather conditions, maintenance and clear safety responsibilities.

The voluntary scheme is designed to encourage safer practices while helping parents and event organisers identify businesses that have publicly committed to recognised safety standards.

Craig Whitelock-Wainwright, the managing director of PIPA, said: “The PIPA Inflatable Safety Charter provides a clear and practical framework that brings the industry together around a shared commitment to safety. 

“It gives hirers, operators, suppliers and event organisers an opportunity to publicly demonstrate recognised good practice while reinforcing confidence among customers and communities.”

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_{Main image: Children enjoy a bouncy castle as UK operators are urged to sign a new safety charter aimed at preventing serious accidents and improving safety standards at inflatable attractions. Credit: Lukas Blazek / Pexels}