Kalmthout Playground Water-Drinking Game Leaves Children Ill

On 28 July 2026, a playground activity in Kalmthout, Belgium required children to drink a cup of water rapidly before answering a question. Five children subsequently felt unwell, reporting headache, stomach pain and vomiting. Parents were alerted and all five children received precautionary medical examinations; no serious health problems were reported.

Mayor Jeff Van den Bergh expressed concern, noting that excessive water intake can cause water intoxication, though the symptoms observed were mild. The municipality apologized, banned the game, and said it would review safety procedures for future playground activities. The incident echoes a similar water‑drinking episode in nearby Schoten last November that resulted in severe intoxication for a 10‑year‑old boy.