Information for Young People
‘1 in 3 drownings of young adults involve alcohol’
As Australians we have access to some of the best locations for swimming, surfing, boating and diving in the world, yet every year many young adults drown after combining aquatic activity and alcohol.
And its not just swimming, every recreational or leisure activity that involves the water is potentially dangerous, especially if people are drunk. Be it swimming, surfing boating, fishing, beach cricket or any other water based occasion, alcohol and water shouldn't be mixed.
Alcohol and the Body
Impaired Judgement |
Alcohol distorts your perception of risks and your own abilities. Information filtered to your brain is less accurate; therefore you are not equipped to make safe decisions. |
Spasm of the Vocal Chords |
Water in the windpipe triggers a reflex closure of the windpipe. Alcohol increases the chances of the spasm of vocal chords, snapping the airway closed. The combination of alcohol and water can lock the airway closed. |
Disturbance of the Inner Ear |
Fluid in the ear is responsible for balance. Alcohol and a sudden change in temperature, like when falling into water may lead to disorientation; suddenly up becomes down. |
Hypothermia |
Alcohol increases blood flow to the arms and legs, even when the body would normally stop this to save heat loss. Fall into the water under the influence of alcohol and hyperthermia kicks in much earlier. |
Impaired Reaction Time |
Alcohol reduces the rate that the brain processes information. This means that ordinary reactions take longer and in a water environment quick reactions are vital. |
Greater Risk-Taking Behaviourt |
Alcohol reduces your inhibitions which can lead to greater risk taking behaviour and doing things you wouldn't usually do. |
| Impaired Judgement | Alcohol numbs the senses, particularly sight, sound and touch. When these senses fail, the stumbles and stutters kick in. |
Drowning – The Process
Before - drinking alcohol impairs the senses and encourages risk taking, meaning you'll be more likely to get into trouble.
During - Tired muscles and confusion from being under the influence of alcohol makes it harder to get out of trouble.
After - Even if someone is able to come to your aid, alcohol seriously reduces your chances of surviving a near drowning as resuscitation methods are less likely to work.
How to Reduce Your Risk
- Space alcoholic drinks with non alcoholic drinks, such as water
- Eat a decent meal before you drink
- Limit your consumption, keep count of your drinks and know your own limit (shots and drinking games can very quickly push you to your limit without you realising it)
- Avoid aquatic activity by yourself, try to stay in groups and don't go wondering by yourself
- Avoid aquatic activity at night
- Avoid aquatic activity in conditions or environments that your aren't familiar with
Don't Drink and Down Downloads
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Don't Drink and Drown Wallet Card | Size: 224 Kb | Download |
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Don't Drink and Drown Information Sheet | Size: 101 Kb | Download |
