Hobbies And Interests
Key Figures
While he did not invent the original water gun, Lonnie G. Johnson is credited as the inventor of the Super Soaker. Johnson and his partner Bruce D’Andrade were granted a patent in 1991 for the Super Soaker prototype they created in 1989. Johnson held a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and master's in nuclear engineering, both from Tuskegee University. Aside from the Super Soaker, Johnson’s accomplishments include his assistance with NASA’s Mars Observer project and the Galileo Jupiter probe, a remote-control robot named Linex and over 40 patents.
Types
Water guns come in many sizes, shapes and colors. While the shapes of some water guns often resemble real guns, others’ shapes mimic fictional weapons from movies, television or comics. Another differentiation between water gun types is how the water is released. Some water guns, like Super Soakers, require a pumping action. Other water guns require the user to rapidly pull a trigger or are battery operated, also known as electric powered.
Purpose
Water guns are meant for fun and entertainment. In fact, there are many games that can be played individually or with a group. An individual can play with a water gun alone by squirting targets. Aside from the whimsical backyard water gun fight, group water gun play can be quite elaborate. One popular water gun game is called assassin. In assassin, players individually stalk one another and eliminate other players by performing a backstab, which is shooting someone in the back, or an execution, shooting someone in the legs and then the head. The game ends when there is one player left.
Alternate Uses
Water guns can also be used to train pets. Both dogs are cats are commonly trained using water guns or squirt bottles as a method to correct unwanted or inappropriate behavior. The Rohnert Park Animal Shelter suggests using water guns to keep cats from clawing furniture. According to the shelter, you should squirt the clawing cat while it is in the act without letting it see you do the squirting. The cat will associate clawing, rather than the owner, with the negative response.
Considerations
Water guns are essentially a type of toy gun, and this may cause concerns for some parents and child educators. Dr. Alvin Poussaint and Susan Linn, authors of “Toy Guns: Just Fun and Games?” encourage parents not to buy toy guns for their children because it sends the message that they approve of violence.
Warning
Take appropriate safety measures when using a water gun. Water guns should not be used to harm others. Avoid squirting people in the eyes or putting inappropriate liquids inside of a water gun. It is also unwise to squirt people who are not participating in a water gun game, stray animals or wild animals that can be easily upset.