Excessive drinking and summer activities don’t mix

Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor activities with family and friends. For many people, a day at the beach, on the boat, or at a backyard barbecue will include drinking alcoholic beverages.

• For individuals recovering from Substance Use Disorder, abstaining from alcohol is the best way to stay sober and safe.
• For individuals not in recovery, if you do drink, be responsible about your choices.

Excessive drinking and summer activities don’t mix. Drinking impairs both physical and mental abilities, and it also decreases inhibitions—which can lead to tragic consequences on the water, on the road, and in the great outdoors. In fact, research shows that up to 70 percent of all water recreation deaths of teens and adults involve the use of alcohol.

Swimming Alcohol impairs judgment and increases risk-taking, a dangerous combination for swimmers. Even experienced swimmers may venture out farther than they should and not be able to make it back to shore, or they may not notice how chilled they’re getting and develop hypothermia.

Boating Up to 60 percent of boating fatalities, including falling overboard, may involve alcohol. Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. It can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. If problems arise, intoxicated boaters are ill equipped to find solutions. For passengers, intoxication can lead to slips on deck, falls overboard, or accidents at the dock.

Road trip

• The summer holidays are some of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.
• When on vacation, drivers may be traveling an unfamiliar route or hauling a boat or camper, with the distraction of pets and children in the car.
• Adding alcohol to the mix puts the lives of the driver and everyone in the car, as well as other people on the road, at risk.

Stay Hydrated and healthy

• Whether you’re on the road or in the great outdoors, heat plus alcohol can equal trouble.
• Hot summer days cause fluid loss through perspiration, while alcohol causes fluid loss through increased urination.
• Together, they can quickly lead to dehydration or heat stroke.

You can reduce the risk:

• At parties, make at least every other drink a nonalcoholic one.
• If you’re the host, be sure to provide plenty of cold, refreshing nonalcoholic drinks to keep your guests well hydrated.

Heat plus alcohol often equals trouble.

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/SummerSafety/SummerSafety.htm