What Age Can You Go Bungee Jumping?
Bungee jumping is an exhilarating extreme sport that attracts thrill-seekers of all ages. However, one of the most frequently asked questions from first-time jumpers or parents of potential young jumpers is, “What age can you go bungee jumping?” The sport involves plunging from high structures, with only an elastic cord securing you, making safety considerations—especially age limits—crucial.
In this article, we will explore the various factors that determine the appropriate age for bungee jumping, including the policies of different operators, legal requirements, and the physical and psychological readiness needed for such an intense experience.
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Minimum Age Requirements for Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping operators typically set minimum age limits, primarily for safety reasons. The most common minimum age requirement across many countries and operators is 12 to 14 years old. However, this can vary depending on local laws, insurance policies, and specific operator guidelines.
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Why is There an Age Limit?
The age limit in bungee jumping is not arbitrary but grounded in the physical and mental maturity required for the sport. Jumpers need to have enough body strength and coordination to handle the impact of the jump and the rebound. Psychological readiness is also a factor, as the fear and adrenaline rush that come with bungee jumping can be overwhelming, especially for younger participants.
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At ages 12 or 14, most children have developed the muscle control and emotional maturity needed to handle the jump with minimal risk. Operators set this age range based on both scientific understanding of human development and their practical experience with younger jumpers.
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Parental Consent for Minors
For anyone under the age of 18, most operators require parental consent. This legal requirement ensures that the parents or guardians understand the risks involved and approve of their child’s participation. Some operators may also request the parent or guardian to be present during the jump to provide additional oversight and support.
Variability in Age Requirements by Region
Different countries and regions may have different legal requirements regarding the minimum age for bungee jumping. For example:
- In the United States, the minimum age often ranges from 12 to 14, depending on the state and the operator.
- In New Zealand, where bungee jumping is immensely popular, the minimum age can be as low as 10 for certain operators, provided the child meets weight and health requirements.
- In the United Kingdom, most operators adhere to a 14-year minimum, with some allowing younger children to jump with parental consent.
Always check with the specific operator for their policies, as they can vary significantly even within the same country or region.
Maximum Age for Bungee Jumping
While there are clear minimum age limits for bungee jumping, many people wonder about the maximum age. In general, there is no official upper age limit for bungee jumping, but participants are typically required to meet certain health and fitness criteria.
Health Considerations for Older Jumpers
As long as an individual is in good health, there’s no reason why they can’t enjoy bungee jumping well into their senior years. However, people with certain health conditions—such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or back issues—are advised to avoid bungee jumping, as the extreme forces involved can exacerbate these conditions.
Older participants often have to pass a medical clearance before jumping. Operators may request a doctor’s note certifying that the individual is fit for such a high-impact activity. This is particularly common for participants over the age of 50 or those with known medical issues.
Physical Fitness and Flexibility
Bungee jumping places unique demands on the body. While it may not require sustained physical exertion like running a marathon, it does involve a sudden and intense load on the joints, muscles, and cardiovascular system during the free fall and rebound.
For older jumpers, maintaining a baseline level of physical fitness and flexibility is essential to reduce the risk of injury. Ensuring that the joints and muscles are strong enough to handle the jump’s force is key for a safe experience.
Weight and Height Requirements
Age is not the only factor operators consider. Weight and height requirements also play a role in determining whether someone can safely bungee jump.
Minimum and Maximum Weight Limits
Bungee cords are designed to handle a specific range of weights to ensure the safety of the jumper. Most operators set a minimum weight requirement of 35-40 kg (77-88 lbs) to ensure that the jumper generates enough force to stretch the bungee cord correctly.
Conversely, there is also a maximum weight limit, which typically ranges between 100-150 kg (220-330 lbs). This ensures that the cord can safely bear the weight of the jumper without risk of overstretching or breaking.
Height Requirements
While height isn’t as strictly regulated as weight, some operators have height restrictions to ensure that the harness fits correctly and that the jumper is safe. A proper fit of the harness is crucial for the jumper’s safety, as an ill-fitting harness could slip during the jump or cause discomfort.
Psychological Readiness
Jumping off a platform with nothing but an elastic cord can be psychologically daunting, especially for younger participants. Mental readiness plays a significant role in bungee jumping, and age often correlates with an individual’s ability to handle the stress and adrenaline rush associated with the sport.
Fear and Anxiety
Many first-time jumpers experience intense fear or anxiety before their jump. For younger jumpers, these feelings may be heightened due to a lack of life experience and emotional maturity. Operators often provide psychological support, encouraging jumpers and explaining the process to calm nerves.
Decision-Making Ability
Bungee jumping requires the participant to make an informed decision about whether they feel prepared for the jump. Younger children may not fully understand the risks involved, even with parental consent, which is why most operators stick to a minimum age limit of 12-14 years.
As individuals age, their ability to assess risks and make decisions improves, making them more psychologically prepared for extreme sports like bungee jumping.
Safety Measures for Young and Old Jumpers
Safety protocols are at the heart of bungee jumping, and operators take extra precautions when dealing with younger or older jumpers.
Special Harnesses for Young Jumpers
For younger participants, operators often use full-body harnesses in addition to the standard ankle straps. These harnesses distribute the forces experienced during the jump more evenly across the body, reducing the strain on any single area. This added safety measure helps protect younger bodies that may not be fully developed or strong enough for standard harness setups.
Medical Evaluations for Older Jumpers
Older participants may need to undergo medical evaluations before their jump to ensure they are fit for the experience. These evaluations check for heart conditions, joint issues, and other potential risks that could make bungee jumping dangerous for older individuals.
Conclusion
Bungee jumping is an exhilarating activity that can be enjoyed by a wide range of age groups, provided certain safety protocols are followed. While the typical minimum age for bungee jumping is between 12 to 14 years, younger participants often need parental consent and may require additional safety measures. Conversely, there is no strict maximum age limit, but older participants must meet specific health and fitness requirements to ensure a safe jump.
Whether you’re young or old, bungee jumping can be a thrilling experience when done with the proper preparation and safety measures. By understanding the age limits, health requirements, and psychological readiness needed for bungee jumping, participants can enjoy this extreme sport safely and confidently.
FAQs：
What is the minimum age to bungee jump without parental consent?
In most places, the minimum age to bungee jump without parental consent is 18. Minors generally need the approval of a parent or guardian to participate.
Can someone with a fear of heights go bungee jumping?
Yes, but it’s essential to acknowledge the fear and prepare mentally. Many people with a fear of heights successfully bungee jump by trusting the operators and focusing on the safety measures in place.
Is there a weight limit for bungee jumping?
Yes, most operators set a maximum weight limit between 100-150 kg (220-330 lbs) to ensure the safety of the jumper and the integrity of the bungee cord.
Can young children go tandem bungee jumping with an adult?
Some operators offer tandem jumps for younger children, allowing them to experience the thrill of bungee jumping while securely attached to an experienced adult.
Is bungee jumping safe for seniors?
Bungee jumping can be safe for seniors as long as they are in good health and meet the physical requirements. Many operators may ask for a medical clearance to ensure that older participants can safely handle the jump.
related topics:
- Bungee Jumping or Skydiving: Which is Scarier?
- How Much Bungee Jumping Cost
- What Equipment Is Needed for Bungee Jumping
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How Safe Is Bungee Jumping? (With Safety Statistics)
When planning a bungee jump, it’s easy to let your mind get clouded with all that could go wrong. What if you slip off the platform or the line snaps? What if you can’t get lowered to the ground? With all these thoughts swirling around in your head, you can’t help but wonder, just how safe is bungee jumping? Bungee jumping is a lot safer than many give it credit for, as only 18 bungee-related deaths occurred between 1986 and 2002. From 2015 to 2018, another five deaths were recorded, with a grand total of 23 recorded bungee deaths in 32 years. If you have more questions about bungee jumping safety, don’t worry, as we’ve got the answers. Keep reading for an in-depth look into the safety of bungee jumping and some of our top safety tips!
Bungee Jumping Death Statistics
Let’s get the grim stuff out of the way: the rate of bungee jumping deaths. Health resource Health Research Funding quotes the rate of reported bungee jumping deaths between 1986 and 2002 at 18. That may sound like a lot, but it’s a span of 16 years, so the rate of deaths was a little over one a year. Health Research Funding also notes that your accident risk when bungee jumping is one in 500,000, and the stats back that up. There just weren’t that many bungee deaths in that period. Okay, but 2002 was a long time ago. Surely, there is more current bungee jumping death statistics available, right? You would be correct. While there’s a gap between 2002 and 2015, we have more current data from 2015 to 2018. In that four-year span, five reported bungee jumping fatalities occurred. That’s again a little more than one death a year, which is virtually unchanged from 1986. What about the years between 2002 and 2015? We’re not quite sure! Statistics on bungee-related deaths are hard enough to come by, so it’s anyone’s guess why those 13 years remain unaccounted for. We can’t even say for certain whether any deaths occurred when bungee jumping from 2002 to 2015. Historical data suggests they did, probably a little more than one death a year, so maybe around 14 or 15. Without any official data to back up that assertion, it remains just that. You should also be aware that the fatality information compiled in this section only accounts for reported deaths. If a bungee jumping death wasn’t recorded, it doesn’t contribute to the numbers. We can’t say how many unrecorded bungee-related deaths might have transpired, but we can’t imagine it’s many. So why do bungee jumping fatalities occur in the first place? According to Health Research Funding, the primary reason is human error. Here are some examples of mistakes that could be fatal.
Not Listening to Instructions
When your instructor provides guidance during a bungee jump, they’re not trying to be a know-it-all. They’re imparting information to you that could save your life. Ignoring it or going against it is a good way to get yourself killed.
Bungee Jumping on More Than One Cord
Although doubling up on the bungee cords might seem like a safety measure, it’s actually anything but. Even if they are identical, the two cords receive pressure at different points and will not stretch the same. This puts your safety at risk.
Going Bungee Jumping When You Shouldn’t
As discussed on the blog, not everyone is cut out for bungee jumping. We don’t even mean when it comes to your fear and anxiety levels; some people simply aren’t healthy enough for it. When these people forego medical advice and jump anyway, they’re putting their lives in their own hands.
Bungee Jumping While Under the Influence
Although substances like drugs or alcohol can take the edge off and lower one’s inhibitions, that doesn’t ever make it a safe or smart decision to bungee jump while under the influence.
Harness Falling Off
Your harness should be strapped on tight when bungee jumping. If you’re doing your own jumps outside of a bungee company, you might choose the wrong size harness, the wrong kind, or not secure it enough. This increases your risk of a fatality when jumping.
Equipment Malfunctions
Bungee jumping companies should inspect all equipment before any jump to ensure it’s all in working order. Otherwise, no one should be allowed to jump until the equipment issue is fixed.
Bungee Jumping Injury Statistics
What about the risk of hurting oneself when bungee jumping? That risk is certainly not zero, so let’s talk further about it. A 2012 report in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport reports that the injury risk when BASE jumping is between 0.4 and 0.5 percent. By the way, BASE jumping is short for Building, Antenna, Span, Earth and does not solely refer to bungee jumping. The injury rate for BASE jumping is at least five times higher than skydiving and up to eight times higher. Most jumpers injured are between the ages of 30 and 40 and are typically men. The rate of injuries that men experienced compared to women is 10:1. That’s about all the data we have, as even the journal mentions that injury data is sparse. The numbers tell us that bungee jumping might produce more injuries than skydiving, but the injury rate is still incredibly low at under one percent. Of course, we don’t know how many participants were involved in the study to arrive at those numbers. The injury rate is still low even if the sample size was relatively small. If the sample size was larger, then there’s an even greater disparity between the number of bungee jumpers and the number of injuries. Not sue how the experience will be? Check out the video of my latest bungee jumping adventure at the Bridge to Nowhere.
Is Bungee Jumping Safer or Less Safe Than Skydiving? What About Other High-Octane Activities?
Naturally, after seeing the numbers above, you will have more questions. How safe is bungee jumping in relation to other activities? Let’s compare the fatality indices of various activities to the fatality index for bungee jumping, which is one in 500,000. Related Reading: What Does Bungee Jumping Feel Like?
BASE Jumping
Although BASE jumping is reported to be injurious, its fatality index is rather low, only one in 60. According to a 2007 report published in The Journal of Trauma, out of 20,850 reported jumps, one in 2,317 resulted in a fatality. In 100,000 jumps, 45 people died.
Scuba Diving
Exploring the ocean’s depths when scuba diving can also be dangerous, with a fatality index of one in 34,400. That’s slightly lower than bungee jumping by 15,600 deaths. Kraft Davies Olsson, PLLC, a law firm, reports that every year in the United States, about 80 divers will die when scuba diving. Out of 100,000 divers, the death rate is between 3.4 and 4.2.
Skiing
What if you prefer the slopes more than the waters? Skiing is inherently dangerous, with a fatality rate of one in 1,400,000. That’s well over 500,000 more than the rate of bungee jumping deaths. The National Ski Areas Association reports that between 2001 and 2011, 40.6 people died per year snowboarding or skiing. For those curious, the fatality index for snowboarding is one in 2,200,000, so it’s also a high-risk sport.
Mountain Hiking
Staying on ground level is safer than taking to the skies, as mountain hiking has a fatality index of one in 15,700. The National Park Service, via a 2015 article in The Washington Post, reports that up to 150 United States residents will die hiking every year. The Post found that drowning is the most common cause of death, followed by vehicular accidents, falls, suicides, avalanches, preexisting medical conditions, heat exposure, cold exposure, and wildlife attacks.
Swimming
Even a common activity like swimming poses many risks, with the fatality index one in 1,000,000. That’s twice the rate of recorded deaths compared to bungee jumping. The CDC reports that the US experiences 4,000 unintentional drownings per year, which is roughly 11 deaths a day. Another 8,000 drownings are nonfatal.
Skydiving
What about skydiving, another skyborne activity in the same vein as bungee jumping? The fatality index for skydiving is one in 167,000, so skydiving is safer than bungee jumping. The United States Parachute Association reported only 10 skydiving deaths in 2021, the lowest rate ever. The fatality index rate was at an all-time high in the 1960s and has gradually come down and stayed down as safety advancements have progressed.
7 Bungee Jumping Safety Tips
Although bungee jumping isn’t as safe as some of the activities we examined in the last section by comparing fatality indices, we want to remind you that the rate of deaths over decades of data is very low. You can and likely will have a safe bungee jumping experience every time. You can do some things to increase your safety, so let’s look at safety tips to wrap up.
1. Choose a Reputable Bungee Company
Many bungee jumping companies have sterling reputations, but some less-than-scrupulous ones are out there. It’s up to you to sniff out the ones worth jumping with versus those that you should give a wide berth. The best way to find a quality bungee-jumping company is to read reviews. If no one has anything positive to say about a bungee company, don’t entrust your wellbeing to them!
2. Listen to Your Instructor
Reiterating our point from before, your bungee instructor is a trained professional whose job it is to make the experience of jumping fun and safe. They’re not giving you information to be condescending but to inform you. Always listen to what they tell you and follow their instructions as closely as possible.
3. Ask Questions If You Have Them
If you have any reservations ahead of the jump, don’t hesitate to air them out. For example, you can ask if any medical services like first air are on hand and if so, where. You might ask if the equipment has been inspected, when, and if the staff at the bungee-jumping company have any proof. You can quiz the staff on the safety rules or even ask your instructor to repeat themselves or provide more clarification. They’ll be happy to!
4. Don’t Bungee Jump If Your Doctor Doesn’t Recommend It
If you have a heart condition or you’re pregnant, then your doctor will not recommend bungee jumping. Other medical conditions can preclude safe jumping and could cause your doctor to turn down your request. Although your doctor can’t help what you do outside of their office, you’re wise to take their advice to heart. Deaths from medical conditions when jumping have occurred!
5. Don’t Bungee Jump in Inclement Weather
Any bungee company worth its salt should shut down operations in inclement weather such as rain, fog, strong winds, or snow. Those that don’t are just looking for a quick buck at your expense. If your bungee jump wasn’t canceled, then do yourself a favor and cancel it. Even if you have to eat the money you spent because the company refuses to refund you, at least you’re safe and sound!
6. Wear the Right Clothing
Many bungee companies allow jumpers to wear what they’re comfortable in, within reason. You should not wear anything that can go flying, such as jewelry, glasses, sunglasses, or overly loose fabric like a dress or baggy shirt. If your clothes are too baggy, then the staff at the bungee company might struggle to put you snugly in your harness.
7. Consent to the Weigh-In
Although no one enjoys being weighed, it’s a requirement before you go bungee jumping. The staff must ensure you meet the target range, so please agree.
Final Thoughts
Bungee jumping is not a sport without its risks, but the rates of injuries and fatalities over the decades has remained low. You should always do your best to be cautious and safe when bungee jumping, but you needn’t let your head run away with all the worst-case scenarios. Most jumps go off without a hitch, and yours will likely be one of them. Stay calm, listen to the instructor, and–above all else–have fun!
Geoff Southworth I am a California native and I enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. My latest adventures have been taking the family camping, hiking and surfing.
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