Download Pool Tip #32: Alcohol Intoxication & Water Accidents (PDF format, 20KB)

Do not serve alcoholic beverages around the pool. Pool accident and injury rates can be curtailed significantly by prohibiting intoxicated guests from using the pool. Alcohol plays a significant role in drownings, spinal injuries and other catastrophic aquatic accidents. Studies have shown that more than 50% of adult water accident victims were drinking prior to their accident.

When alcohol is absorbed directly into bloodstream it acts as a central nervous system depressant slowing breathing and swallowing reflexes. Less oxygen is delivered to the brain and muscles. Alcohol consumption leads to increased risk taking and faulty judgment, poor coordination and balance, a decreased ability to process information and slowed reaction time — all of which could be life threatening around the water, especially if an intoxicated guest tries to perform a highly skilled physical movement like diving into a pool.