It’s the morning after a big night, and you’re nursing a headache that feels like a drum solo gone wrong. The lure of the beach or a quick plunge into a river might seem like the perfect cure for a hangover, but here’s the truth: alcohol and water are a dangerous combination, even when the drinks are from the night before.

We’re not just talking about the obvious risks of drunken antics by the pool. Even when you’re technically sober, your body and brain are still under the influence, with impaired reaction times, cloudy judgment, and physical fatigue putting you at greater risk of drowning or injury.

Australians love their summer celebrations, and let’s be honest, alcohol is often part of the mix. But the statistics are sobering: alcohol is a leading contributor to drowning deaths in Australia. Hot days, festive spirits, and alcohol-fuelled decisions can quickly turn fun into tragedy.

At the beach, alcohol plays a role in 23% of drowning deaths, with average blood alcohol levels sitting at 0.19% – nearly four times the legal driving limit. Rivers present an even greater risk, with 40% of alcohol-related drowning victims recording a blood alcohol concentration of 0.20% or higher.

But what about the morning after? While your blood alcohol level may be heading toward zero, your body hasn’t fully recovered. Fatigue, poor coordination, and slow reactions remain, turning seemingly harmless activities like a dip in the ocean or floating down a river into dangerous games of chance.

Hangovers aren’t just about pounding headaches and shaky hands. They come with real physiological challenges. Alcohol dilates your blood vessels, giving you a false sense of warmth, which can lead to longer exposure to cold water and an increased risk of hypothermia.

Electrolyte imbalances, common after a night of heavy drinking, can cause muscle cramps, making it harder to swim or stay afloat. Add to that reduced blood sugar levels, and you’ll tire faster, making the water an even deadlier place to be.

The hangover haze also affects your judgment. You might underestimate the strength of a rip or overestimate your ability to dive into a shallow pool, leading to catastrophic injuries or even unconsciousness – all potential precursors to drowning.

What’s the solution?

• Authorities and organisations regularly highlight the dangers of mixing alcohol with water. But it’s not enough to only consider the risks while drinking. The day after, your body is still recovering, and it’s essential to think twice before heading to the water.
• Public awareness campaigns often target young people and men, the groups most likely to drown where alcohol is a factor. Beaches may have alcohol-free zones, but rivers and other natural waterways are far less regulated, despite posing similar risks.
• Royal Life Saving Australia have launched the Make the Right Call – Keep Your Mates Safe Watch the video here https://youtu.be/5Salt-kkGUo
• Whether it’s skipping the swim after a night out or encouraging friends to stay dry near the water, understanding the lingering effects of alcohol could save lives. Remember, the consequences of carelessness can ripple far beyond a hangover – so let’s make this summer about celebration, not tragedy.

This article references content from The Conversation article, "The surprising ways swimming off a hangover can be risky, even if alcohol has left your system", by Amy Peden, Shane Dawson, and Richard Franklin, published on 31 December 2024.