When planning a special occasion, do you truly consider your children’s safety when hiring a bouncy castle?
Would you risk bypassing a safety-regulated, insured inflatable hire company to save a few euros — and instead rent equipment that may not be fit for purpose?
Would you knowingly increase the risk injury or worse by using unregulated, uninsured and unsafe inflatables?
“A day of fun can turn into a a bad day if inflatable equipment isn’t safe. Every parent expects a bouncy castle to be harmless — but not all are.”
Bouncy castles, obstacle courses, slides, and other inflatable games have become essential for creating memorable home parties and corporate events.
They offer excitement, healthy physical activity, and endless fun but only if the equipment is safe and fit for use.
Let’s put it simply:
Would you get into a taxi, an elevator, or an aeroplane that had never been tested or maintained?
Of course not.
So why risk putting your child onto an inflatable that hasn’t been properly inspected, tested, and certified?
Why Safety Standards Matter
All inflatable equipment in Europe must meet the EN14960-2019 safety standard.
This European regulation — active across all 27 EU countries — is specifically designed to protect users, especially children.
It sets strict rules for the design, materials, anchoring, testing, and inspection of inflatables.
Each inflatable must:
- Undergo a full safety inspection after manufacture.
- Pass annual inspections for the lifetime of the inflatable.
The checks cover critical safety points such as:
- Weak seams that could cause sudden collapse
- Poor or inadequate anchoring that could cause blow-aways
- Dangerous entrances and exits that could trap a child
- Slippery or overly steep slides
- Emergency evacuation times
- Electrical safety (for blower units)
- Correct pressure to ensure reliable and safe bouncing surfaces
The Hidden Danger
Cheap, non-compliant, and unregulated inflatables are widely available — and waiting for unsuspecting customers to hire them.
Hiring such equipment could expose your children, students, or guests to serious, unnecessary dangers.
The good news is:
You can protect your children — simply by asking the right questions.
How to Stay Safe: What You Must Check
✅ Certification:
Ask for the inflatable’s safety certificate.
It should include:
- A clear photo of the inflatable
- A serial number
- Details showing it meets EN14960-2019.
✅ Insurance:
Request proof of insurance.
Reputable companies can quickly email you the simple document issued by their insurer.
✅ Membership of the Irish Inflatable Hirers Federation (IIHF):
Ask if they are members of the IIHF, where all members are insured and committed to strict safety standards.
A full list of insured, regulated bouncy castle operators in Ireland is available on the IIHF website.
In Conclusion
You have the right — and the responsibility — to make the correct choices when it comes to your children’s safety.
When it comes to your children’s lives, there can be no shortcuts.
