Important Safety Information
Safety Guidelines
Rules Governing the Safe Operation of Equipment
The following rules detail safe operational guidelines for the inflatable equipment you are leasing from Jumper Bee Entertainment inflatable rentals. To ensure safe operation of the inflatable, it is in your best interests to have these rules read aloud by a company representative. Further, you are encouraged to direct any questions you may have about the operation of the inflatable to your representative from Jumper Bee Entertainment before you begin use of the equipment.
Supervision:
The safety of the children depends on you. Your personal supervision is absolutely required at all times. As the lessee of this inflatable unit, the safety of all the riders is your responsibility. As the adult supervisor, you should position yourself in close proximity of the entrance to the ride and be prepared to assist riders when they enter/exit the ride.
Age Groups:
Only compatible age groups and sizes shall play on the inflatable at the same time. The following are guidelines as to the number of riders that may be on the inflatable unit at the same time:
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Unit Description |
Age Group |
Max Number of Participants |
Bounce House/Combo Unit |
Up to Age 7 |
4-6 max weight 750 lbs |
Ages 8 - 12 |
4-6 max weight 750 lbs |
Over Age 12 |
3-5 |
Slip 'n' Slide |
5- up |
2 max weight 400 lbs |
Shoes/Glasses/Jewelry:
All riders MUST REMOVE SHOES, GLASSES, AND ALL LOOSE JEWELRY before playing in the inflatable.
Pre-existing Health Conditions:
Pregnant women, individuals with pre-existing injuries, and others susceptible to injury from falls, bumps or bouncing are not permitted in or on the inflatable unit at any time.
Flipping/Wrestling/Piling:
Improper use of the inflatable includes flipping in the air, wrestling, and riders piling on themselves. Such activity may result in neck and back injuries to riders.
Installation:
Do not remove the inflatable from the area where it was installed. If the inflatable unit moves, pull it by one of its corners back to its original location of installation. Keep the inflatable unit away from swimming pools and other sources of water at all times.
Inclement Weather:
Once there is a threat of inclement weather, including strong winds (at or in excess of 20 mph), thunderstorms (especially when lightening is present), or severe cold weather (below 40 degrees), children should immediately exit the inflatable. The blower should thereafter be switched off and removed, and the unit allowed to deflate.
Deflation:
Never allow riders in or on a partially inflated unit. Should the unit begin to deflate, do the following:
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Have all children exit the unit immediately.
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If the motor has stopped, make sure that it has not been unplugged.
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If the motor is still running, check the air intake on the side of the motor for blockage, and check both blower tubes on the inflatable unit to make sure that they are tightly tied off.
Alterations:
No alteration in or attachments to the inflatable unit are allowed, period.
General Misuse:
Do not allow riders to play or climb on walls, sides or roof of inflatable. Do not allow the inflatable to rub up against any surface. Unless previously authorized by Jumper Bee Entertainment, never place a water hose or water in general onto the inflatable that is not designed for wet use. If the inflatable should become wet, have an adult wipe down the unit before riders return. Inflatable should not be wet when riders enter the unit.
Negligence or Abuse:
The following fees may be assessed for negligence or abuse of inflatable
Spilled food, drink or the use of Silly String could result in a $500 - $1500 Cleaning Fee.
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Negligence and damage to unit could result in a $400 - $1000 Repair Fee.
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If unit is not repairable a fee of $3500 - $7000 could result.
Each moonwalk operator should read and understand the following instructions.
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The ride should not be operated if wind exceeds 20 mph or in rain or lightning conditions.
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All riders must remove their shoes.
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Riders should be sorted by size. Only riders of the same size should be allowed in the ride at the same time.
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Riders must remove loose or sharp objects including glasses and dangling jewelry.
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No food, drink, or gum in the inflatable.
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The rated capacity should never be exceeded.
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The operator should assist the riders when they enter and exit the ride.
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The operator should position himself/herself in close proximity to the entrance of the ride.
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While the ride is in operation, the operator should watch the riders at all times.
No roughhousing or horseplay should be tolerated.
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No flips.
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No climbing on the walls, nets, or roof is allowed.
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Anyone who does not obey the rules after being warned should be asked to exit the ride.
(Operators should understand that they are in control of the ride and removing someone from a ride who is not following rules is important for all riders' safety)
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The operator must strictly enforce the rules posted on the warning sign.
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The operator must remain in control of the ride at all times. The inflatable must be supervised at all times while there are riders.
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Absolutely no Silly String in or around the inflatable.
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Do not move the inflatable unless you've made arrangements with the rental company about doing so. If the unit shifts during your rental period, have the riders exit the inflatable and push/pull it back into place on the tarp.
Your moonwalk rental company may have different operating procedures so be sure to follow the guidelines they review with you. Have a great event!
Operating a Moonwalk reprinted courtesy of the National Moonwalk Rental Directory.
Emergency Procedures for Inflatable Moonwalks
What To Do When the Unexpected Happens
When you have a moonwalk at your house, you're in charge! Moonwalks are fun and easy to watch, but occasionally you might have issues. If something goes wrong, try these suggestions to get back on track.
Loss of Power
If the inflatable loses power, don't panic! Help the kids exit the unit quickly but don't scare them- most moonwalks have enough air in them to sink gently to the ground, making it tricky to walk but a soft landing. Usually, there is only a roof above and plenty of ventilation through the windows- a child is more likely to hurt themselves in a panic than they are to get injured by the inflatable itself.
Someone should immediately check to make sure the blower hasn't been turned off or unplugged. Check extension cords as well. It's likely someone pulled the plug from the outlet or tripped over an extension cord and unplugged it. Turn the blower back on and the unit will quickly re-inflate.
If the unit became unplugged because it moved and pulled the plug from the outlet, your unit is not secured well enough. Check the stakes or sandbags and make sure the kids are not playing too wildly (ie, throwing themselves against the walls.)
If everything is still plugged in and turned on, check your fuse box or breaker box. If the breaker has been tripped, see what else is on that same circuit before turning it back on. The circuit is overloaded. Either unplug other items on the same circuit or plug the inflatable into a different outlet on a different circuit.
If other items still work on that outlet (test it with a hair dryer) then the blower is damaged. Call your inflatable rental company and let them know what happened. If anything unusual happened before the blower stopped working (rain, something spilled on blower, something hit the blower) be sure to let the rental company know so they can determine how to fix the problem.
Inclement Weather
Wind
Winds can be dangerous. Most moonwalks carry a notice saying they must be deflated when the winds exceed 25 mph. How do you know how much 25 mph is? The following wind observation table was compiled by the US National Weather Service.
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Wind
Speed
(MPH) |
Wind Effects Observed on Land |
Terms Used in NWS Forecasts |
0-1 |
Calm; smoke rises vertically. |
Calm |
1-3 |
Direction of wind shown by smoke drift, but not by wind vanes. |
Light |
4-7 |
Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, ordinary vane moved by wind. |
Light |
8-12 |
Leaves and small twigs in constant motion; wind extends light flag. |
Gentle |
13-18 |
Raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved. |
Moderate |
19-24 |
Small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested wavelets form on inland waters. |
Fresh |
25-31 |
Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telephone wires; umbrellas used with difficulty. |
Strong |
32-38 |
Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt walking against the wind. |
Strong |
When conditions hit the 25-31 MPH zone, have all children exit the inflatable and turn the power to the blower off. If at any time you notice the wind starting to lift the inflatable off the ground, clear the unit of riders and turn it off until the wind subsides.
Rain
Ask the moonwalk company about their policies on rain- there are many different ways to deal with rain conditions. Regardless of how the inflatable unit is to be handled, do not use the moonwalk in rainy conditions. Wet vinyl is slippery and children are more likely to fall and knock into each other.
In general, most companies prefer you leave the unit up and running in light rain as the air pressure prevents too much water from getting into the base. If the rain looks like it's going to last a while or be heavy, do the following:
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Turn the power off
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Remove the blower from the unit and take indoors or to a covered area
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Untie the sandbags or stakes from one side of the unit and fold it over on itself to prevent too much water from getting into the unit.
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If the rental company left you an extra tarp (because it looked like rain), cover the folded moonwalk with the tarp.
If you are handling the unit yourself (from a pick-up location), these tips will make a world of difference. Your moonwalk rental company may have different requirements for rainy conditions, so be sure to ask. If you don't know what else to do, follow the steps above.
Be aware some companies charge an extra cleaning fee for units caught out in the rain. Enquire about that before making a decision whether or not to go on with the party.
Have fun and be prepared!
Emergency Moonwalk Procedures reprinted courtesy of the National Moonwalk Rental Directory.
Questions to Ask and Things to Consider
It's easy to pick a moonwalk company based on price alone- you can always go through the phone book and choose the lowest cost provider in your area. But is that the best thing for your party?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a moonwalk rental company for your event that you may not even realize! Here are a few things to ask when you start to comparison shop:
Insurance
The first thing you should find out from a prospective rental company is whether or not they are insured. Moonwalk rental insurance covers liability in case of an accident where the moonwalk company is at fault. It does not typically cover injuries or minor accidents that happen while the moonwalk is under your supervision. So why should you care?
A company that has made the effort to get insurance has made a commitment to a safe operation. It shows longevity (fly-by-night companies don't bother with the expense of insurance) and a concern both for your safety and the long-term success of their own company.
In some states (but not all) insurance is required by state regulations. An inflatable rental company operating without insurance is operating illegally in those states. In states without regulations, inflatable operators should still be insured.
Delivery
Does your prospective rental company offer delivery? Is there an additional charge?
Moonwalks are heavy, bulky, and awkward to move and setup. They require proper securing, either with stakes or sandbags and there may be state-regulated minimum requirements on the size of the stakes or the weight of the sandbags. If you are picking up the moonwalk yourself, be sure the operator reviews safety and setup instructions with you to ensure that you have a safe and fun experience with your moonwalk.
In most areas, you can find companies with delivery included or for a small additional charge. It's not just about the money or convenience, but the safety of your children and their guests. Consider having a professional set up your inflatable bounce house or slide for your own peace of mind.
Cleaniness
Bounce houses get really dirty- they are outside in all types if weather! You will typically find do-it-yourself places or inexpensive operators don't take the time to properly clean and sanitize the bounce, although some do. Ask about their cleaning policies.
Sanitize? Yes- this is important. Bounces are active places full of little people bouncing against the floors, walls, and pillars in hot conditions- often face first and loving it! You want to feel secure that the surfaces they are coming in contact with are clean and germ-free.
Companies that properly clean and sanitize their inflatable units ensure that germs don't spread from one party to the next, not to mention the fact that your party-goers won't go home with black socks!
Attended vs Unattended
Many companies will have an attendant who will stay for the duration of your party and supervise the moonbounce- often it's included in the fee quoted. Be sure to ask about an attendant if the rental fee seems high for your area- it could be those extra man-hours that drive the price up but as many event-organizers will tell you it's well worth it!
If the company doesn't offer attended rentals or you aren't interested in paying the extra fees, make sure the delivery company reviews operating and safety procedures with you before they leave; things like what to do if it rains or gets windy, what to do if the power goes out, how many kids are allowed at a time, etc. Moonbounces are fun and safe, but it's best to be prepared in case the weather changes or anything else unexpected happens.
Deposits
Deposits vary by area- in highly competitive areas, you may not be required to send in a deposit but in most areas of the country rental companies do require a deposit of some sort- a credit card number or a mailed deposit. This ensures the equipment you want is reserved for the date and time you requested.
Find out under what conditions your deposit is refundable. How long do you have to cancel? How are weather cancellations handled? What about refunds or re-scheduling?
While we want to believe our party will go off smoothly, reality is that the weather may not cooperate or the birthday child may be sick, or any of a number of things can happen that might cause you to cancel or reschedule. If a deposit is required, make sure you get it in on time or you may lose your reservation!
Power
Typically, if you rent a moonwalk, you are expected to provide an electrical outlet. Be sure to test outdoor outlets as they are likely to go bad and if you don't use them often, you may not be aware they don't work until time for setup! Plug a hair dryer into the outlet and let it run at high a few minutes to test.
For events that aren't near an electrical source, you'll need a generator. Many rental companies have them or can get them for you- if not you can pick one up yourself at a local rental store. Make sure you know how to operate it and how long a tank of gas will last if you are doing it yourself.
Setup Area
Inflatables can't be set up on a slope. It's just not safe. You'll need a relatively flat area at least 5' bigger all around than the size of the inflatable. It's best to make sure you have enough room ahead of time by measuring or at least walking off the area so that you don't have to rearrange your plans at the last minute.
Check for bushes or tree branches in the way and make sure there are no power lines or overhanging branches overhead.
Clear the area of rocks, twigs, pinecones, or other obstructions and check for fire ant hills, dog leave-behinds, or anything else that might be in the way.
Do you have an irrigation system? Let your moonwalk rental company know that unfront. They may choose to secure the unit with sandbags instead of stakes if you are unsure where the irrigation lines are.
Have Fun
Moonwalks are impressive, exciting, and fun! Your house or business will be the center of attention when the moonbounce is up and running, so enjoy it and get lots of pictures of those little ones having the time of their lives. They'll always remember it and so will you.
Choosing a Moonwalk Rental Company reprinted courtesy of the National Moonwalk Rental Directory.
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