Latest news with #inflatable
Forbes
2 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Flying Bounce Houses - A Potentially Deadly Hazard For Kids
In this June 4, 2011, photo, participants in an Oceanside, N.Y., soccer tournament run from an ... More airborne inflatable "bounce house" after high winds sent it flying, scattering spectators and injuring 13 people, one critically. Saturday's inflatable mishap is the latest in a growing series of similar accidents, experts say. (AP Photo/Kim LoPiccolo) This week large inflatables were blown onto one of Atlanta's busiest roadways. I drive in that busy corridor frequently, and it is stunning that the city was spared a major incident. According to media reports, owners blamed the early installation phase for the lack of anchoring. This latest episode of 'flying inflatables' was relatively harmless, but other incidents have led to injuries or fatalities. Is it time to ban inflatable bounce houses? A boy plays in the bounce house at a pumpkin patch Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, in Seal Beach, Calif. (AP ... More Photo/Jae C. Hong) The answer to that question is probably 'no,' but experts are calling for changes. My colleague Dr. John Knox is a meteorology professor at the University of Georgia. He is one of the world's foremost experts on atmospheric sciences, including aviation meteorology. I suspect he did not have 'flying bounce houses' on his scholarly bingo card alongside his work on clear-air turbulence. However, Knox and his collaborators have become the foremost research group in the world documenting windy conditions and large inflatable structures. According to a UGA website, 'Over a decade ago, Dr. John Knox saw a joke on Facebook comparing the phenomenon of runaway bounce houses to the scientific study of dust particles in the atmosphere. Several years and hundreds of hours of intensive, intricate research later, Dr. Knox now admits that bounce houses are no joke.' In 2022, he and colleagues published a study in The Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society entitled, "Wind-Related Bounce House Incidents in Meteorological, Regulatory, and Outreach Contexts." At the time of publication, their analysis revealed 479 weather-related bounce house injuries and 28 deaths. The study also found that bounce houses are especially dangerous for children because they are often improperly anchored or parents are inattentive during play. Using data mining techniques and cartography, the team identified meteorological causes and connected them to incidents using geographical and social science methods. I asked Knox what needs to be done short of banning inflatables. He told me, 'What should happen? Federal regulations on their use in windy weather (or in all weather) would be a good start.' He pointed out, however, that their 2022 study found that many incidents occur where the nearest weather observations show winds under typical thresholds used in the states that do have regulations. During the warm season when bounce houses are popular, thunderstorms or windy conditions can happen suddenly. Knox went on to say, 'So even national regulations wouldn't be perfect. But the process of implementing federal regulations would raise public awareness of the dangers.' The rings represent outflow boundaries moving away from thunderstors. They can cause gusty ... More conditions suddenly that pose hazards for improperly secured bounce houses and inflatables. Knox continues to maintain what is likely the most robust database of bounce house incidents in the world. The website also includes safety recommendations and information about how different states regulate bounce house activity. Some interesting facts found on the website as of May 31st, 2025 include: The website also has accessible information on all known events spanning 2000 to 2025 and the associated weather types. What are some of the typical weather types connected to the events? They include cold fronts, dust devils, outflow boundaries, thunderstorms, Santa Ana winds, and sea breezes. Researchers are increasingly questioned about the value of scientific research. Knox and his team's work is an exemplar of how multidisciplinary research spanning meteorology, cartography, geography, and other social sciences disciplines can inform decisionmakers and save lives. Knox said, 'This research is a prototype for the kind of work geographers can do…. And then the website development exhibits the community outreach angle that is classic geography. So, this is what geography looks like--no siloes, everything together.' PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 30: A dust devil blows amongst the fans during the final round of the Ford ... More Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass 2025 at Whirlwind Golf Club in Wild Horse Pass on March 30, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by)
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
B&M has slashed the price of a kids summer essential to just £1 down from £50
ONE proud shopper announced he'd snapped up the 'bargain of the year' after he bagged a £50 garden toy for just £1. The Giant Rocking Planet inflatable is ideal for keeping your little ones off their gadgets and instead, outside in nature. 2 It is for children aged eight and above, and it comes with a battery-operated pump. The toy was originally £50 before it was reduced to £20, then it plummeted to just £1. The cost-cutting customer shared a snap of the product on B&M Scanner and Other Bargains Facebook. He added a screen grab with information to help other shoppers find it in their local stores. "Just found the bargain of the year!! £50!!!! Down to £1," he wrote. Other shoppers flocked to the comment section, with one writing: "Super bargain!" Another shared a photo of her own giant inflatable and wrote: "Thank you! Just got one." A third wrote: "Omg my autistic son would loooooove this!!!!!" "I've been looking everywhere for one of these! I saw them a few years ago and they've never had them again!" chimed a fourth. The product code is: 394873 and the B&M scanner noted that the inflatable is subject to availability. He'd discovered the major deal by using the B&M free barcode scanner. The tool allows shoppers to discover discounted items before the staff have even reduced them. The scanner lets you see if the item's price is cheaper than advertised on the shop shelf. Products that are typically discounted are seasonal items and old stock that B&M is trying to shift, or they're labelled "big brands" and "big savings". It's a terrific hack to use, especially since the cost of living keeps rising and inflation might hit 15% by the end of the year. B&M bargains often differ from store to store and customers are warned that some products are available in selected stores only. To avoid a wasted trip, contact your local branch to check their stock. To find your nearest, use the online store locator tool. The garden toy is made in the shape of Saturn, with a large ring running around the outside for children to climb on. There are handles on the sphere for kids to hold on as they rock from side to side. Another shopper was thrilled with the deal, and treated her kids to a inflatable boxing ring and slide too. "Grand total of £12 for £150 worth of toys! Slide was £10 and the other two were £1 each," she wrote on the same Facebook group. If you're looking to turn your garden into a fun-filled play area for your kids, B&M has you covered with more incredible offers. The discount store is flogging a huge inflatable slide for just £10. A shopper shared the deal on the same Facebook page and wrote: "Yesterday's find at B&M." Attached to the post was a picture of a Gigantic Garden Slide, originally priced at £50. A sale sticker had been placed on the box, to say it had been reduced to £30, however, when the shopper got to the till, it had been reduced to just £10. The bargain buy is six feet long when inflated and promises "slip'n, slide'n fun". It is suitable for children over three and includes a battery-operated pump. B&M said: "Unleash the fun in the sun with this epic giant inflatable slide! "Watch as the kids' smiles reach new heights - It's the ultimate entertainment for endless summer fun." Shoppers raced to the comments section of the Facebook posts to tag their friends and share the bargain with them. One shopper pointed out that the slide is from last year's stock, so may not be available to buy in your local.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shoppers run to B&M as gigantic garden slide is slashed to just a tenner
SHOPPERS are racing to B&M to snap up a gigantic garden slide, scanning for just £10. With a heatwave set to hit parts of the UK this week, and the hot weather looking like it's here to stay for the foreseeable, kids will likely be desperate to get outside and play in the sun. 3 3 And whilst taking the whole family out to water parks and adventure playgrounds can be pricey, B&M fans have spotted the perfect bargain that's bound to keep the kids entertained all summer long. Sharing his find in the B&M Scanner And Other Bargains! Facebook group, a private group with 328,000 members, the bargain fan said: "Yesterday's find at B&M." Attached to the post was a picture of a Gigantic Garden Slide, originally priced at £50. A sale sticker had been placed on the box, to say it had been reduced to £30, however, when the shopper got to the till, it had been reduced to just £10. The bargain buy is six feet long when inflated and promises "slip'n, slide'n fun". It is suitable for children over three and includes a battery operated pump. B&M said: "Unleash the fun in the sun with this epic giant inflatable slide! "Watch as the kids' smiles reach new heights - It's the ultimate entertainment for endless summer fun." Shoppers raced to the comments section of the Facebook posts to tag their friends and share the bargain with them. One shopper pointed out that the slide is from last year's stock, so may not be available to buy in your local. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out And the slide isn't the only B&M bargain shoppers can get their hands on this summer. Bargain lovers across the UK can now snap up the Palm House Leaf Stem Metal Wall Art for just £1.50 in-store – down from £3 – giving their gardens a budget-friendly glow-up just in time for summer. Whether you're creating a lush retreat or just want to hide that tired old fence, this bit of wall art does the job for less than the price of a coffee. According to the manufacturer, it 'brings fun and charm to your garden' and is perfect for adding character without the need for heavy DIY work. Why B&M is so good for bargains SENIOR Digital Writer, Abby Wilson, who loves a shopping trip to B&M, has shared her thoughts on why the chain is the place to go for bargain buys... WE all love B&M (especially me). It's a one-stop-shop where you can nab all things from gardenware and homeware, to snacks and cleaning supplies. Not only do we love the variety B&M offers (because after all, who can be bothered to go to five different shops anymore?!), but the prices are brilliant too. If you're on a budget, B&M is definitely worth vising - as it's full of cheap bargain buys. Not only will you find affordable items, but B&M is full of dupes too - so if you're after beauty buys without the designer price tag, you'll need to take a trip. Similar to this, the chain are eager to get on trends - so if you see something in H&M Home but are on a budget and can't justify the price, give it a few weeks and you'll probably spot something similar on the shelves in your local B&M. The retailer has recently slashed prices on a range of outdoor products, including a luxury gazebo now reduced to £100, down from £125. And the bargain store recently sent shoppers into a frenzy, by selling children's toys for just £1. Keep in mind that retailers are allowed to price products differently across their stores. Make sure you're shopping around to get the best price.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
World's ‘largest' inflatable obstacle course with 300m playground, 40 hurdles & mega slide is coming to UK this summer
ESSEX is set to be the proud owner of the world's largest inflatable obstacle course. Braintree Village will be the home to an action-packed activity area and assault course - just in time for the summer holidays (and questionable weather). 6 6 Named The Monster, people can take on the huge obstacle course from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 31st August. Based in the Essex shopping outlet, the area will be transformed into a giant playground with 300 metres of inflatable fun for everyone. You'll find more than 40 obstacles including the 18-metre Mega Slide, the chaotic Exterminator and the House of Hell. The Monster has toured Canada and the USA - plus has had sell-out events at London's Alexandra Palace and Birmingham's NEC. The gigantic arena - which is the biggest of its kind in the area - is welcome to people of all ages. Guests can take part in daytime sessions for families and youngsters. Plus adult-only evening experiences with street food and drink available to enhance a festival vibe. Josef O'Sullivan, Centre Director at Braintree Village, commented: 'We're thrilled to welcome The Monster to Braintree Village this summer. "It's such a unique, exciting attraction that will bring something totally new to the area. "We've seen such a positive reaction to the recent limited-run activities that we have brought to the outlet, and we're certain that this is going to be the most hotly anticipated event yet. Visit Essex travel 'We look forward to sharing more details about The Monster soon – it's set to be an unforgettable summer at Braintree Village.' Ticket prices and sessions will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Children must be aged 6 years or 1-metre tall to take part. Guests are encouraged to sign up to the outlet's member rewards club, PLUS+, for priority access to tickets and exclusive announcements. The exciting summer news follows a range of fresh stores opening at the outlet. Shoppers have gone wild for Essex's first ever Crocs store, Joules and Belstaff. For more sensory overload and stimulation, Haribo's first flagship UK store can be found round the corner in Kent 's Bluewater. Its Bluewater debut is Haribo's first store in the UK that is outside of a designer shopping outlet. The brand already has 10 locations across factory destinations in the likes of Ashford and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. 6 6 6 6
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘I'll be here all summer' shoppers say as they race to snap up £17 Amazon buy that's perfect for getting a tan
SUMMER is nearly upon us and shoppers are already stocking up on an essential buy that could be perfect for cooling off. Sun worshippers have been sharing how they are buying bargain 'tanning pools' to lie in and get a golden glow. 3 TikTok user @jessicaaknowsbest showed her enviable set up, which had an inflatable with some shallow water and a hands-free Kindle device for reading. She also added some snacks and a drink so she had everything she would need without needing to move. On her video, which has racked up over 115,000 views, she said: 'I'll be here all summer. 'Till further notice.' Many people were very jealous of her summer set-up and were quick to comment on the video. One said: 'This is perfection.' pool.' A third asked: 'Where might one acquire the pool!!!??' While Jessica is based in the US, the UK has a number of versions of the tanning pool on Amazon. The retailer is selling a £17.99 Splosh lounger which comes with a ribbed air cushion base and jumbo pillow. I've found the perfect summer top from M&S, and I'm even more excited now I can finally shop there online again Measuring 73cm long and 120cm wide, it is said to be perfect for 'staying cool' in the garden as a 'splash pool.' Book worms can also get comfy as the pillow provides 'additional neck and back support.' It is said to be made from a strong, 'UV resistant PVC', to help it stay inflated for longer. 3 One person who gave it a five-star rating said: 'Love this! Was so easy to blow up, so nice to cool down in on a hot day, very comfy.' Another added: 'Works great to keep me cool while getting sun.' The bed is available on Amazon Prime, so it can be delivered within just one day if you wish.
