Lessons Learned from the Devonport Tragedy

As I learned of the passing of the 6th child from the jumping castle tragedy in Davenport, I keep thinking of the lessons we can take from this truly tragic event.

I know of no weather station near the Hillcrest School so I am relying on the weather observations from the Devonport Airport which is about an 11 minute car ride from the school. The maximum wind speed gust for that entire day from the airport was only 33kph as reported by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Yet this was enough to lift what has been described as an inflatable jumping castle, with 10 to 12 children on it, 10 metres off the ground.

With Christmas coming Santa, parents, grandparents, friends and relatives may well have purchased play equipment that could easily create a similar dangerous situation if they are not fixed down or tethered soundly.

As it happened, I popped into a local store to pick up some milk yesterday evening and saw the following two toys on sale. One was a trampoline with high sides, a good risk management measure in one respect but it does create another risk, and the second was advertised as an inflatable water park. My mind immediately went to the very real risk associated with both these items highlighted by the event in Devonport, as both pieces of play equipment may create a sail in strong winds and lift off with whoever is on them at the time.

I certainly do not want to be a Grinch but we all owe a duty to manage the risks around our children. Children being the most precious of gifts to parents and family.

Stay safe and well everyone and have a most enjoyable and stress free Christmas. As always, hope for the best, but manage the risk by planning and insuring for the worst.