El Nino officially arrived in September, and forecasters have confirmed it may become stronger later this year and last into 2024 — meaning bouncy castle owners and operators must be on their toes.
While every El Nino is different, its presence in New Zealand generally means stronger or more frequent winds from the south-west in spring and west in summer.
And this poses another significant risk for those looking to supplement the Kiwi summer fun with some bouncy enjoyment at community events across the country, Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ) chief executive Rodney Grant says.
Grant’s comments follow last month’s announcement of an inflatable safety campaign to keep communities safe.
“We’ve just learned, that across the Tasman ditch, charges have been laid for the horrifying Tasmania jumping castle tragedy in 2021. And we want the industry to do everything possible to avoid that happening here,” Grant says.
“That’s why we will keep reminding all bouncy castle owners and operators to check out our operating guidelines.
“If the industry can keep every bouncy castle enthusiast — small and large — safe, then I’ll be a happy man.”
HIANZ recognises the need for greater awareness of the industry’s health and safety procedures, and for the industry to minimise risk to the community as much as possible.
Therefore, it has reviewed and updated the documentation for the safe use of Bouncy Castles and similar inflatable devices.
For more information, and to download the set of HIANZ resources, visit https://www.hianz.net.nz/bouncy-castles.
