Water balloon launcher
A water balloon launcher or water balloon slingshot is a catapult toy that shoots water balloons significantly further than hand-throwing[1] and is used in some water balloon fights. Both home-made and commercially sold models exist, with stationary, mobile, and multi-person-operated types available.[2] Even though water balloon launchers are mainly marketed towards children, adults also engage in water balloon activities.[3] Some water balloon launchers are capable of launching water balloons further than 300 yards (274 metres).[4]
Dangers
[edit]It is unsafe to misuse a water balloon launcher by loading it with snowballs.[5] Water balloon launchers pose a risk of eye injuries,[6] such as when a young man suffered orbital blowout fracture resulting from the misuse of a water balloon launcher, and became legally blind from his left eye.[7] In another case, a 31-year-old female suffered from traumatic retinal dialysis in her right eye, resulting in permanent loss of vision.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "History of Facts about Water Balloons". History of Balloons. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ Bankhurst, Adam (20 February 2020). "Best Water Balloon Launcher". IGN.com. IGN Entertainment Inc. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
- ^ Cecil, Lauren (5 April 2021). "Win Every Fight This Summer With the Best Water Balloon Launchers". Spy.com. Spy Media, LLC. (Penske Media Corporation). Retrieved 19 June 2021.
- ^ Corona, Lauren (1 July 2021). "Water guns vs. water balloon launchers: Which is better?". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ "Water Balloon Launchers FAQ". Super Soaker Central. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ Limbachia, Dixita. "Water balloon slingshot tops list of 10 unsafe summer toys and products". USA Today. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ "Water Balloon Slingshots: Toy or Weapon?". Robertslawfirm.com. Roberts & Roberts. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
- ^ Chaudhry, N. A.; Falcone, P.; Alexandrakis, G.; Grannum, E. (29 October 1998). "Traumatic retinal detachment from a water balloon slingshot". Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers. 29 (10). Yale University School of Medicine: 864–865. doi:10.3928/1542-8877-19981001-16. PMID 9793956. Retrieved 19 June 2021.