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]
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]