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The morning after a big night out and the effects of too much alcohol are hard to ignore. As the sun rises and the hangover sets in, it can be tempting to head to the beach or pool to “refresh” with a swim. But before diving in, you might want to reconsider.
While alcohol might no longer be in your bloodstream, the aftereffects of heavy drinking can still pose serious risks in and around water. From dehydration to impaired judgment, the day after a drinking binge can leave you more vulnerable than you realize.
Alcohol + Water = Increased Drowning Risk
Alcohol is one of the leading factors contributing to drowning deaths, and Australians are no strangers to consuming it around the water. The summer season, particularly during public holidays and long weekends, sees an uptick in incidents involving alcohol and drowning.
Statistics reveal that among those who drowned in rivers with alcohol involved, 40% had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.20%, four times the legal limit for driving. Beach-related drownings are similarly alarming, with intoxication linked to 23% of deaths, and an average BAC of 0.19%.
The Hazards of Being Hungover
Even when alcohol has left your system, the aftermath of a night of drinking can still impair your coordination and reaction times. While it might seem like a good idea to hit the water to ease the hangover, the day after drinking often comes with a host of lingering physical symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
These symptoms can affect your ability to assess risks, making you more prone to careless behavior in the water. For example, you might not notice the dangerous rip currents at the beach or fail to recognize that a pool is too shallow to dive safely.
Research shows that hangovers can impair mental focus and lead to quicker but more hazardous decisions. A study conducted after a large music festival found that while reaction times improved for sober participants the day after heavy drinking, they made more mistakes, indicating that the physical and mental toll of a hangover increases the likelihood of risky actions.
Additional Dangers in the Water
Alcohol, including the day after consumption, can still alter your body’s response to water. One of the most concerning effects is its ability to dilate blood vessels near the skin, making you feel warmer and more likely to stay in cold water for longer. This can lead to hypothermia, especially in cooler bodies of water.
Furthermore, alcohol disrupts the body’s electrolyte balance, contributing to symptoms like muscle cramps, which can be dangerous when swimming or in deep water. Low blood sugar is another common side effect of drinking, leading to early exhaustion during physical activities such as swimming.
Alcohol’s effects can also reduce the efficacy of CPR in case of an emergency, which is another reason to be extra cautious when in or around water after drinking.
How to Stay Safe Around Water
Authorities frequently warn of the dangers of mixing alcohol and water, targeting young people and men who are at higher risk. While alcohol-free zones are common at beaches, similar regulations are rare along rivers, despite the comparable dangers.
To reduce the risk of accidents, follow these key safety tips:
- Swim before drinking alcohol, not after.
- Keep an eye on friends, especially if they are hungover or have been drinking.
- Avoid returning to the water the day after heavy drinking if you’re still feeling the effects.
- Always make the right call and stay out of the water when you’re not at your best.
Stay safe and enjoy the summer—just remember that sometimes the best way to “recover” is to stay on land.
