Water cannons, despite their non-lethal nature, can cause significant harm when used against humans, particularly in crowd control or law enforcement situations. Originally developed as a firefighting tool, they have evolved into a versatile instrument used across different sectors—from law enforcement to military operations. In this article we will look into the origin, functioning, lethality, and consequences of water cannons, alongside their use by China to harass its neighbors, and in other contexts like firefighting and maritime security.
What is a Water Cannon?
A water cannon is a device that shoots high-velocity jets of water, typically for crowd control, firefighting, and other tactical purposes. Water cannons—designed to control, to disperse… but sometimes, they unleash something no one expects. Beneath the surface of this seemingly harmless tool lies a force powerful enough to injure, to destroy, and even to kill. These machines aren’t just hoses on wheels. They are precision-engineered instruments of pressure—capable of firing water at up to 20 bars of force. That’s the kind of pressure that can smash windows, flip vehicles, and break bones.
Origins and Initial Uses
Water cannons were first designed for firefighting in the late 19th century, but they soon found applications in law enforcement. The modern-day use of water cannons for crowd control began in Europe, notably in Germany and the UK, where they were employed to control protests.
The first recorded use of water cannons for controlling human populations dates back to the early 1930s, when they were utilized to suppress labor strikes in Europe. As the technology advanced, water cannons became regular in anti-riot police forces worldwide. They were extensively used during the civil rights protests in the United States in the 1960s, most infamously in Birmingham, Alabama, where the images of protesters being forcefully blasted with water gained international attention.
How Does a Water Cannon Work?
Components and Functioning
A water cannon consists of several key components that allow it to produce high-pressure jets of water:
- Pump System: The pump is the core of the water cannon, responsible for drawing water and pushing it out at high pressure. These pumps can generate pressures up to 20 bars or more, which is significantly stronger than typical fire hoses.
- Water Supply: Water cannons need a continuous water supply. This can be a tank attached to the vehicle or access to a nearby water source, depending on the deployment location.
- Nozzle: The nozzle determines the pressure and velocity of the water as it exits the cannon. Modern water cannons are equipped with adjustable nozzles that can vary the spread and intensity of the water jet.
- Control System: Operated manually or remotely, control systems allow for precise aiming and pressure adjustments. Some advanced systems also feature computer-controlled targeting mechanisms.
- Mounting Platform: Most water cannons are mounted on trucks, armored vehicles, or ships, providing mobility and range.
Lethality and Consequences of Water Cannons: Can They Cause Death?
Although water cannons are often marketed as non-lethal weapons, they can cause severe physical harm depending on how they are used. The velocity at which the water is expelled from the cannon can range from 50 to 150 km/h (31 to 93 mph), generating tremendous force.
Physical Injuries:
Water cannons have been known to cause a variety of injuries, including:
- Fractures: The sheer force of water can break bones, especially if the person is hit directly at close range.
- Internal Injuries: High-velocity jets of water can cause internal bruising or even organ damage when directed at the torso.
- Head Trauma: If aimed at the head or neck, water cannons can lead to concussions, broken teeth, or even skull fractures.
- Eye Injuries: There are several documented cases of people losing their eyesight after being struck in the face by water from these devices.
Secondary Injuries:
The force of a water cannon can throw people to the ground or into nearby objects, causing secondary injuries such as:
- Head Injuries from Falling: People can hit their heads on hard surfaces after being knocked over.
- Stampede: In a panicked crowd, individuals can be trampled by others trying to escape the force of the water.
Cases of Extreme Damage and Fatalities:
There have been reports of deaths linked to the use of water cannons. For example, in 2010, a protester in Stuttgart, Germany, suffered severe head injuries from a water cannon, leading to a later death. In South Korea, the case of Baek Nam-gi, a farmer who was hit by a water cannon during a protest in 2015, sparked national outrage after he succumbed to his injuries several months later.
In India, water cannons have been deployed in several instances of crowd control, particularly during protests. Recently we have seen use of water canon in the Kolkata. Fortunately, in most cases, the use of water cannons in India has not resulted in any casualties.
Water Cannons as Tools of Aggression: Chinese Navy and Coast Guard
In recent months, the Chinese Navy and Coast Guard have used water cannons to assert their dominance in contested waters in the South China Sea. Chinese ships have employed water cannons to harass vessels from Vietnam, the Philippines, and other regional nations. These encounters are part of China’s broader strategy of maritime expansion and control over disputed territories. The Philippines accused China of violating international law and undermining peace and stability in the region. Chinese hawkish action threatens the freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.
Other Use Cases of Water Cannons
Beyond crowd control and military applications, water cannons have been used in various other sectors:
Firefighting:
Water cannons are still widely employed by firefighters to combat large-scale fires. The high-pressure streams of water can reach areas that regular hoses cannot, making them effective in extinguishing fires in high-rise buildings or industrial complexes.
Maritime Security Against Pirates:
In recent years, cargo vessels and cruise ships have installed water cannons as part of their anti-piracy defenses. These cannons are mounted on the decks of ships and can repel pirates attempting to board. The non-lethal nature of water cannons makes them an ideal deterrent, allowing ships to defend themselves without escalating violence.
Industrial Uses:
Water cannons are also employed in mining operations to break apart large rock formations or clear debris, and in large-scale cleaning operations, such as the removal of chemical spills.
Water Cannons in Airports
- Firefighting: Water cannons at airports are primarily used for firefighting. They are mounted on specialized airport fire trucks designed to tackle fires quickly and effectively on aircraft and runways. These cannons can discharge water, foam, or other fire-retardant agents at high pressures and distances, crucial for managing emergencies.
- Water Cannon Salute: Ceremonial Use: One of the coolest use of water canon is a water cannon salute. It is a ceremonial tradition in aviation, typically performed to honor significant events such as a pilot’s final flight before retirement, last flight of an aircraft or to welcome a new airline or aircraft into military service.
While water cannons are often perceived as non-lethal tools, their potential to cause severe injuries or even death is well known. They can also be used irresponsibly in military encounters like those involving Chinese vessels in disputed waters.
