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The morning following an eventful night, you may be experiencing the repercussions of excessive alcohol consumption.
This might make it tempting to “revitalize” and alleviate a hangover with a swim at the beach, or a plunge in the refreshing waters of your local river or pool.
However, it may be wise to reconsider.
The day subsequent to heavy drinking can impact your body, energy levels, and risk assessment in various ways. Consequently, you may be at a greater risk of drowning or making reckless choices – even in the absence of high alcohol levels in your bloodstream.
Alcohol + water + summer = drowning
Alcohol serves as a primary factor in increasing one’s chances of succumbing to drowning. And Australians consume a significant amount, especially near water.
The likelihood of drowning and injuries, particularly incidents involving alcohol, significantly escalates during the summer holiday season – especially on public holidays and prolonged weekends.
Among individuals aged 18 and older who drowned in rivers with alcohol involved, we discovered that around 40% had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.20%. This is fourfold the legal limit of 0.05% when operating a vehicle under a full license.
During our breathalyser tests conducted at four rivers in Australia, we found elevated blood alcohol levels correlated with increased temperatures and particularly during public holidays.
At the beach, intoxication from alcohol and/or drugs contributes to 23% of drowning fatalities with an average blood alcohol concentration of 0.19%.
What if you’re hungover?
Eliminating alcohol from your system is a relatively gradual process. On average, alcohol metabolizes at a rate of 0.015% per hour. Thus, if someone ceases drinking at 2am with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20%, their alcohol levels won’t reach zero until 4pm the following day.
While hangover experiences can differ among individuals, common symptoms encompass headaches, muscle soreness, fatigue, weakness, thirst, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, irritability, sensitivity to light and sound, anxiety, perspiration, and elevated blood pressure.
In addition to feeling a bit unwell, the day after an extensive drinking session, your ability to assess risks and respond appropriately diminishes.
In a swimming pool, this might manifest as failing to recognize it’s too shallow for a safe dive. In natural waterways, you might overlook a strong river current or a rip current at the beach. Alternatively, one may be aware of these dangers but swim or dive regardless.
Alcohol can even render CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) less efficient, should you find yourself needing resuscitation.
Typically, your body regulates amounts of specific minerals (or electrolytes) present in the bloodstream. However, electrolyte disturbances are frequent following significant alcohol consumption, including the subsequent day. This is why hangover indicators like muscle discomfort can result in cramps in your limbs. Such conditions can escalate to hazards when you are near or in water.
Low glucose levels following alcohol consumption are also typical. This can result in individuals feeling fatigued more rapidly while engaging in physical activities, swimming included.
Additional risks comprise chilly water, towering waves, and profound depths—elements your body might struggle to contend with if you’re still experiencing the repercussions of a substantial night out.
What measures can we take?
Authorities routinely alert the public about the perils associated with alcohol impairment and proximity to water. Young individuals and males are often targeted as these demographics are prone to drowning incidents where alcohol is a factor.
Coastal areas may have zones designated as alcohol-free. However, rivers seldom enforce similar regulations, notwithstanding comparable dangers.
How to ensure safety in aquatic environments while consuming alcohol
So exercise caution this summertime and steer clear of the water if you’re not feeling your best:
- complete your swimming prior to drinking
- keep an eye on your friends, particularly those who may have overindulged or are recovering from a hangover
- refrain from re-entering the water after having consumed alcohol or if you’re not at your best the following day.
This page was generated automatically; to view the article in its original setting, you may access the link below:
https://theconversation.com/the-surprising-ways-swimming-off-a-hangover-can-be-risky-even-if-alcohol-has-left-your-system-243243
and if you wish to remove this article from our website, please get in touch with us
