The dunk tank is an attraction mainly used in carnivals, fundraisers, and personal parties. A basic dunk tank consists of a seat above a tank of water and a target. The game requires two people, a dunker and a dunkee. The dunkee sits on the seat above the tank of water while the dunker tries to hit the target with softballs or tennis balls. If the dunker succeeds in hitting the target, seat will flip downwards, dropping the dunkee into the tank of water.

The dunk tank is considered by some people to be the most popular attraction and may also be the most profitable as large audiences gather to dunk the dunkee.

Clothing

Typically the person sitting on the dunk tank either wears swimwear or normal clothing, normally shorts and t-shirt, sometimes with swimwear underneath. Some prefer to be barefooted, while others prefer to wear some sort of footwear. It is said that wearing footwear may reduce the chances of slipping.

Safety

Almost anyone can be the dunkee. Age usually does not play a factor in safety, but at most carnivals, it is the adults who get dunked by the kids. All dunkees are normally required to be at least 4 feet tall and must know how to swim (knowing how to hold their breath is usually sufficient). If a dunkee who is below 4 feet decides to go in, they should wear a life jacket. The dunk tank, when filled to the top, is at least 4-5 feet deep.

Because the dunking process happens so quickly, dunkees must always be prepared whenever the dunker is throwing the ball. The rule of thumb is that the dunkee should hold their breath when the dunker is aiming and throwing the ball. This way, if the target is hit and the seat falls down, the dunkee won't be getting water into their nose. That is not a very fun way to get dunked if water gets in. A dunk tank is supposed to be fun, not to be filled with misery.

Taunting

It is normal for a dunkee on the dunk tank to taunt the crowd, especially when the dunker fails to dunk them or has a terrible aim. Taunting is sometimes the best way to attract people, friends, and parents into stepping right up and throwing the balls at the target.

Cost

The cost of operating a dunk tank can vary from store to store. They can be bought or rented. If bought, depending on the size and model, the price ranges from $2000 to $4000. If the person chooses to rent it, then the price can be anywhere from $500 per day to $800 per day. It is up to the discretion of the renter to include hiring an attendent. Hiring an attendent is extra, but can be worth it for first time renters. And of course, the renter may choose to not hire an attendent. Typically, the larger the dunk tank; the more expensive it will be to buy or rent.

Other information

On television shows, celebrities can sometimes be seen in dunk tanks. Such celebrities include MTV's Laura Lipshitz, Avril Lavigne, rapper Lil Bow Wow, and Nickelodeon personalities Candace Bailey, Jessica Holmes and Dave Asizer.