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ENC community cancels water fight at local park because of insurance concerns

The game involves students trying to "eliminate" classmates using water guns, but officials warn that the activity can lead to tragic misunderstandings.
Remy Sharp
/
Flickr via Openverse
The game involves students trying to "eliminate" classmates using water guns, but officials warn that the activity can lead to tragic misunderstandings.

An event meant to bring the Swansboro community together has been called off.

On Wednesday, the Town of Swansboro announced the cancellation of the "Swansboro Showdown: Water Fight 2026," which was scheduled for May 1st at Municipal Park. The event was designed by local police to provide a safe, supervised alternative to the "Senior Assassin" games often played by high school students this time of year.

However, town officials say they had to pull the plug after consulting with their insurance provider. In a statement, the town cited safety and liability concerns that could not be resolved in time. They emphasized that the decision was based strictly on insurance requirements and was not a reflection of the students or the community.

While the big water fight is canceled, town leaders say they remain committed to finding other ways to engage with local youth.

Annette is an award-winning journalist based in Eastern North Carolina. Her career includes professional stops across the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Southeast, recently culminating in a 2026 Region 8 Edward R. Murrow Award for Small Market Radio Best News Series for her work on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Series. Guided by a passion for human-interest storytelling, she focuses on narratives that touch hearts and connect communities. A mother of four and grandmother of two, Annette enjoys reading and creating epic Halloween costumes in her spare time. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.