Wichita Working On Law to Make Inflatables More Safe

June 22, 2010

by Kim Hynes (WICHITA, Kan.)

Renting an inflatable and having it at your home will be a little more difficult under proposed ordinance changes by the City of Wichita. The city council heard about changes to the amusement ride ordinance Tuesday during a staff meeting.

The council requested updating the ordinance after a 5-year-old died earlier this year after falling off of an inflatable at Pure Entertainment. The city later cited the business for not having all of its rides properly inspected.

The ordinance changes include additional licensing requirements for amusement ride operators. This includes all kind of rides from places like All Star Sports to the inflatables you rent for your home. The proposed changes require annual safety inspections be done by inspectors certified through the National Association of Amusement Rides Safety Officials. It also requires amusement ride operators keep the safety inspections on-site and post the safety rules on each ride.

If you rent an inflatable to have in your home, the company providing it will cover the insurance. But the proposed changes require you receive a copy of the inspection license, instructions and serial number to have at your home. Kurt Schroeder with the Office of Central Inspection says by having those items, the homeowner will be held responsible if the inflatable is being used improperly. By having the instructions on proper use, it's up to the homeowner to make sure those rules are being followed. Schroeder says if a complaint is filed, the city could cite a homeowner for improper use of an inflatable.

The city council told Schroeder they agreed with the proposed changes. He'll bring it back to them for a formal vote sometime soon.

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