The Safe Way to Bounce: National Franchise Offers Safety Tips for Parents

Posted on July 08, 2011 by Melissa Lim

Pump It Up, the nation's leading franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds, has released a list of safety guidelines for parents, related to the usage of inflatable play equipment.  The company recently received the highest possible safety rating of A+ in an independent safety survey, and with safety as the company's top priority, they want to extend some helpful safety tips to all parents.

1. Anchoring

Making sure that the inflatable cannot tip, roll or move is of the utmost importance.  Pump It Up recommends multiple floor anchor points as well as ceiling and wall tethers for slides.

2. Safety mats

Many inflatables rely on grass or dirt for the landing area for exit/entry, but in order to ensure safety, these locations should be carpeted and have professional-grade safety mats.

3. Safety training

Each inflatable should be overseen by properly trained staff and safety guidelines should be clearly posted.  Additionally, parents should always inquire about specific safety rules and provisions for each inflatable.

4. Enforcement

Safety rules do very little if they're not enforced.  Pump It Up recommends that the staff member overseeing the inflatable use a short game to teach the kids the rules.  Then, as the kids break the rules (which will happen, as any parent knows) the staff members need to be attentive and helpful in reiterating the rules and banning children from the activity if they're unwilling to play safe.

5. Insurance

Most events with inflatables should have insurance, but it's a good idea for the parents to ask about what insurance the event coordinator has and what it covers.  Accidents do happen, so knowing what to do in the even of an accident is the best way to be prepared.

About Pump It Up
Pump It Up is the nation's largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds specializing in private parties for birthdays, and programs, such as corporate events, school outings, field trips and other events.

Pump It Up is headquartered in Tempe, AZ with more than 150 locations across the country.

For more information about Pump It Up, please visit www.pumpitupparty.com.