Camarillo Police Warn Residents of High School Water Assassin Game

The Camarillo Police Department is sounding the alarm over a popular but potentially dangerous tradition that is expected to kick off this week. The game, known as Water Assassins or Senior Assassin, involves high school seniors attempting to eliminate their classmates by squirting them with water guns. While the game is a long standing tradition for many students, law enforcement officials say the tactics used by participants can lead to tragic misunderstandings with the public and police.

How the Game is Played and Why It is Risky

In the game of Water Assassins, participating students are assigned a target and must tag them with water before being tagged themselves. To prove an elimination, students often video record the encounter. Because the game is strictly student led and not sponsored by local schools, much of the action happens off campus in residential neighborhoods and public spaces. Students often use stealthy tactics, such as hiding in bushes, wearing dark clothing at night, or waiting outside a target’s home or workplace.

The primary concern for the Camarillo Police Community Resources Unit is the realistic appearance of some modern water guns. In past years, officers have responded to 911 calls from terrified neighbors reporting "prowlers" or "armed suspects," only to discover teenagers playing the game. Senior Deputy Matt Koenig noted that if a student uses a water gun that resembles a real firearm, officers may have only a split second to make a life or death decision. This risk is heightened when students wear masks or hoodies while pursuing their targets in the dark.

Guidelines for Safe Participation

While the game itself is not illegal, the actions taken during gameplay can result in serious criminal charges. Law enforcement warned that students could face arrests for trespassing, reckless driving, or brandishing a replica firearm if they do not exercise good judgment. To keep the community safe, the department is urging parents to talk to their children about several key safety rules.

Participants are advised to use only brightly colored toy guns that cannot be mistaken for actual weapons. They are also warned against chasing each other in vehicles, blocking traffic, or trespassing on private property without permission. Most importantly, the police ask that students remain respectful of uninvolved citizens and avoid disrupting business operations. The goal is for seniors to enjoy their final months of high school without a harmless game escalating into a life altering tragedy.