Top Safety Questions About Inflatables Answered
When hiring an inflatable for a party or event, it’s natural to have questions about safety. Parents, schools, and community organisers across East Sussex want to know how to keep children safe while still letting them have fun.
This guide answers the most common safety questions about inflatables — from setup and supervision to weather and insurance — so you can plan your event with confidence.
Are Inflatables Safe for Children?
Yes, inflatables are very safe when they’re set up and used correctly. All our Bouncy Castles, Bouncy Castle & Soft Play Packages, Inflatable Games, and Large Event Inflatables are tested and maintained to high safety standards.
Each inflatable is regularly inspected, fully insured, and meets recognised industry guidelines. When properly supervised, they provide a secure, enjoyable way for children to play.
What Age Groups Can Use a Bouncy Castle?
Inflatables are suitable for most age groups, but it’s important to match the right castle or game to the right audience.
Mixing very young and older children on the same inflatable should be avoided to prevent accidental bumps or collisions.
How Are Inflatables Anchored Safely?
For outdoor events, inflatables must be anchored to the ground securely. We use heavy-duty stakes, sandbags, or ballast depending on the surface. Each inflatable is checked for stability during setup and before use.
At indoor events — such as those held in community halls in Eastbourne or Lewes — weights and mats are used to keep inflatables steady and protect floors.
Can Inflatables Be Used Indoors?
Yes, many inflatables are designed for indoor use. Low-height options such as the Little Men Bouncy Castle, Unicorn Bouncy Castle (12 x 13), or Under The Sea Bouncy Castle (12 x 13) fit comfortably in most community halls and gyms.
Indoor inflatables are perfect for winter birthdays or rainy weather, particularly in towns like Haywards Heath, Crawley, and Seaford.
What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?
Safety always comes first. Inflatables should not be used outdoors during heavy rain or strong winds. High winds can make inflatables unstable, so if weather conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule or move the booking indoors if possible.
If your event is in summer but rain is forecast, consider booking an indoor venue. Our team can advise which inflatables work best for smaller spaces.
Do You Need Power for Inflatables?
Yes, inflatables require a constant power source to keep them inflated. Most setups can run from a standard household socket, but for larger outdoor events or remote sites, a generator is recommended.
We supply 6.5kva Generator hire to ensure inflatables run safely even where mains power isn’t available — ideal for parks, fields, or community events across East Sussex.
How Many Children Can Use an Inflatable at Once?
Each inflatable has a safe user limit, depending on its size and type. For example:
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Small castles for toddlers: around 4 to 6 children.
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Medium castles: 6 to 10 children.
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Large inflatables and assault courses: 12 or more participants, depending on layout.
Our team will confirm the safe capacity during setup and provide clear supervision guidance. Overcrowding should always be avoided.
Do Inflatables Require Supervision?
Yes. All inflatables must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Supervision ensures children follow safety rules — no shoes, no food, no rough play — and that age and size groups remain separate.
For larger community events or School Fetes & Fundraisers, multiple adults or volunteers may be needed to manage busy periods.
How Can We Keep Play Safe During Events?
Here are a few simple steps to ensure everyone has fun safely:
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Remove shoes, jewellery, and sharp objects before playing.
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Keep food and drink away from the inflatable.
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Only allow children of similar sizes to play together.
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Make sure the inflatable is never left unattended.
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Stop play immediately if the weather changes or power cuts out.
Our team provides safety mats, instructions, and advice with every hire.
What Safety Standards Do You Follow?
All inflatables meet or exceed UK safety standards. They are inspected under the PIPA or RPII testing systems, which are nationally recognised. Every inflatable also undergoes regular cleaning, visual checks, and risk assessment before and after each hire.
Insurance and safety documentation are available on request — giving organisers peace of mind that every setup is compliant and professional.
Are Inflatables Safe for Public Events?
Yes, inflatables are suitable for public and council-run events as long as they’re set up and monitored correctly. Councils in Eastbourne, Lewes, and Tunbridge Wells regularly hire Community & Council Events inflatables for summer fun days and seasonal celebrations.
We handle all the setup, safety checks, and removal, ensuring the equipment meets event standards and insurance requirements.
What If There Is a Power Cut During Use?
If the blower stops due to a power issue, the inflatable will slowly deflate. Children should exit calmly and quickly, avoiding panic. Once the issue is resolved, our team or your supervising adult can restart the blower safely.
This is one reason constant adult supervision is essential — it allows quick action if anything changes.
How Can I Check Safety Before Booking?
When booking inflatables, always look for:
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Up-to-date safety certificates.
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Insurance documentation.
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A clear delivery and setup process.
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Local knowledge and experience.
If you’re unsure, ask questions — we’re always happy to explain how our inflatables are maintained and what safety measures are in place.
Keeping Events Safe
From garden parties in Eastbourne to school fetes in Lewes and large community events in Tunbridge Wells, inflatable safety comes down to professional setup, proper supervision, and choosing the right equipment for your guests.
Explore categories like Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Games, Bouncy Castle & Soft Play Packages, and Large Event Inflatables to find safe, fun options for your event.
For questions about setup, safety certificates, or venue suitability, visit our contact us page — our team is always here to help.