Injury hazard type

Bone fracture or break
Brain injury
Bruising
Concussion
Suffocation

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About inflatable amusement products

Children play on inflatable amusement products at home including jumping, sliding, or bouncing.

Products include inflatable:

  • jumping castles
  • water slides
  • zorb balls.

We are responsible for the safety of inflatable amusement products used at home only. Commercially used inflatable amusement products are regulated by the local state or territory. Visit Safe Work Australia.

Inflatable jumping castle
A child playing in a zorb ball in a garden
Child on an inflatable water slide

Risks and injuries from the product

The lightweight nature of inflatable amusement products makes injury a higher risk, especially if they are not used properly or used in bad weather conditions. The larger the inflatable amusement product, the higher the risk of injury.

Injuries include:

  • bumps and bruises
  • broken bones
  • concussion
  • suffocation
  • more serious injuries including blunt force trauma.

Some factors heighten the risk of injury.

  • Using the product without proper anchoring and in bad weather conditions. This can result in the products being lifted into the air and children falling from a height.
  • Exceeding the recommended number of users, resulting in bad landings or users colliding.

Things to look for when buying the product

Serious injuries and deaths have happened to children playing in inflatable amusement products.

There isn’t a mandatory safety standard for inflatable amusement products, but the following can be used as a guide.

  • Know that the business you buy or hire from is reputable.
  • Check it meets an international inflatable play equipment voluntary standard (ASTM F2729-18, ISO 20187:2022, EN 14960-1:2019). You can inspect the product labelling or ask the supplier.
  • Check online ratings and reviews. This can help identify safety issues other consumers have experienced.
  • Check for Australian product recalls and international recalls at OECD global recalls.
  • Look for warnings and instructions describing safe use and potential risks. These should be on the packaging and product. You can also ask the retailer.

How to use the product safely

To keep your children safe when using inflatable amusement products, make sure you:

  • read and follow the safety warnings, especially for age and weight
  • follow the product instructions for safe assembly
  • always supervise your child while they use these products
  • always securely anchor the product
  • never use these products in bad weather conditions.

Next steps if a product is unsafe

When buying a product, consumers have the right to expect the product is of acceptable quality. 

Acceptable quality includes that the product is safe, durable and free from defects.

If you bought a product that is unsafe or doesn't comply with a mandatory standard, you can report it to us.

Report an unsafe product

If a person is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help, call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).

See also

Swimming pools (portable and inflatable) guide