Wow, thanks for this. Just seems so strange and unlikely to go out of your way alone late at night and hop into some random river. Could see a group of intoxicated people doing this more than one lone individual, but clearly has happened before. Interesting, appreciate the article!
It’s not rare at all, apparently. It confused me so I researched a bit. I posted some links earlier on. Here are some more:
Here’s an article from Estonia which has some pertinent detail:
“Between 2010 and 2014, Estonia had 163 deaths by drowning where the victim had been drinking, 102 of these during summer months. Through the years, the number of drownings rises significantly in the summer months and most cases are caused by the use of alcohol. Despite a good awareness of the dangers of swimming while intoxicated, the use of alcohol inhibits the sense of danger and a person will go into the water to freshen up, swim of to test their abilities. There are also cases of accidentally falling into the water.
Most of these tragedies could have been avoided, had people been keeping an eye on each other and intervened at the right moment.”
Don’t drink and swim! While spending time near a body of water, it is important to keep in mind that swimming and drinking do not mix. That’s why it is important to keep an eye on your friends while near a body of water – do not let them go into the water when drunk.... Read more
veeohutus.ee
One from Wales:
“It only takes a split second for happy hour to end in a nightmare. Figures state that about a quarter of all adult drowning victims have alcohol in their bloodstream. If you’ve had a drink, stay away from the water.” (More at link).
www.mawwfire.gov.uk
This article discusses multiple studies:
“This Finnish study, for example, looked at 1697 unintentional drownings in victims aged 15 and over. They found that 303 deaths were boating-related and 1394 deaths were non-boating related. In 65% of the boating drownings and 61.8% of the non-boating drownings, the victims tested positive for alcohol.”
“In the US, accidental drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention name alcohol use as a key factor that influences the risk of drowning. “Among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation, almost a quarter of Emergency Department visits for drowning.”
“Why Do Alcohol and Drugs Increase the Risk of Drowning?
There are the physical and mental effects of alcohol and drugs – including the impacts on cognitive function and the central nervous system. Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down the body’s processes and reactions. Heavy alcohol users often experience memory loss or ‘blackouts’, for example, when they cannot recall their thoughts or actions whilst intoxicated. Substances can also increase risk-taking behaviours and judgment too, as well as decreasing a person’s ability to survive in water if they become submerged. Drowning also completely prevents people calling for help when they get into trouble.”
“When people are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, however, decision-making processes are often impaired. Whilst intoxicated, some people will decide to take a bath or jump into a pool or even swim in the sea – similar to the way certain people decide to drink-drive, even though they had no intention of doing so when sober. Friends and family can play a role in looking out for one another in these circumstances – but ultimately, they cannot be held responsible for another person’s actions.”
Cranberries lead singer, Dolores O’Riordan, drowned accidentally due to alcohol intoxication, coroner Shirley Radcliffe told an inquest in Westminster this month. Toxicology tests showed there were 330mg of alcohol per 100mls of blood, approximately four times the legal limit for driving...
www.ukat.co.uk
www.independent.co.uk
