As summer rolls around, amusement parks are not the only places opening their doors for a season of thrill and fun.

With summer upon us, event organizers in schools, camps, townships, municipalities and shopping malls may be holding various events that involve amusement and inflatable devices like bouncy castles to draw crowds, raise funds or simply generate excitement.

Renting amusement and inflatable devices from licensed owners who drop off these devices on their customers’ premises can create safety gaps, such as failing to ensure these devices are installed properly and operated by trained attendants.  

Before renting inflatable devices, it’s important to be aware of the safety requirements you need to comply with and how to ensure the amusement and inflatable devices on your premises are operated safely. 

Photo Caption: Ontario Regulation 221/01 (Amusement Devices) does not apply if the rented amusement devices are operated in private dwellings (including the land upon which the private dwellings are situated) and used exclusively by the owner or occupants and their guests. Private events held in churches, schools and parks are not considered private dwellings. Amusement and inflatable devices that are not used in a private dwelling must comply with O. Reg 221/01.

As summer heats up, nothing is more thrilling than an exhilarating trip to an amusement park. Whether you're a roller coaster enthusiast, a go-kart driver, or a zip line adventurer, following safety guidelines is the best way to make your amusement park experience fun – and worry-free. 

Here are five ride smart tips to keep in mind for a safe summer at amusement parks:

1. Follow Age, Height, Weight, and Health Restrictions
Before hopping onto any ride, spend some time to read the posted age, height, weight, and health restrictions. Meeting the physical requirements for the ride's intensity will keep you safe. 

2. Observe All Posted Safety Rules
Each amusement ride has its own set of safety rules. Follow all instructions provided by ride operators and any recorded announcements or signs. These guidelines are meant to protect you, so always pay attention to them.

3. Secure Your Posture 
Keep your hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the ride or water slide at all times. Never stand when the ride is in motion and stay seated until told by a ride operator to exit. 

4. Use Safety Equipment Properly
Amusement parks provide various safety devices like seat belts and lap bars to keep you secure. Always use these safety devices as intended and never attempt to loosen or remove them while the ride is in motion. 

5. Avoid Using Phones on Rides
Avoid using cell phones on rides. Distractions like texting, answering calls, taking photos or videos could lead to accidents. Besides, phones can slip out of your hands or pockets, causing potential harm to yourself or other riders. Be sure to stow your phones safely, along with other loose items, including wallets, sunglasses, cell phones, and hats. 

Safety is essential for maximum amusement park fun. This summer, make sure you're the safety superhero for yourself and your family. Keep the excitement high and the worries low by adhering to safety measures on every ride.

TSSA hosted a virtual training for the inflatable industry on May 3, 2024. 

The training covered a gamut of topics that included incident reporting, inflatable design (ASTM requirements, flame tests for new devices, and evacuation), renewals (attestation and operational inspections), mechanic requirement, and training requirements for operators and events.

Click to view the presentation slides.

TSSA is hosting a virtual training for the inflatable industry on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Click the button below to join the training that will cover the following topics:  

1. Incident Reporting

2. Inflatable Design: 
       - ASTM Requirements
       - Flame tests - new devices
       - Evacuation      

3. Renewals: 
        -  Attestation
        - Operational Inspections

4. Mechanic Requirements

5. Training - Operators/Event Requirements