Alcohol and Drowning Risk: Understanding the Connection

There is no set amount of alcohol that will cause someone to drown. However, consuming too much alcohol can impair your judgment and coordination, making it more likely that you will engage in risky behaviors, such as swimming while intoxicated. This can increase your risk of drowning.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drowning is the leading cause of death among college students who die from alcohol-related injuries. In 2019, there were 64 drownings among college students, of which 70% involved alcohol.

If you are planning to drink alcohol, be sure to do so in moderation and avoid activities that could be dangerous, such as swimming or operating machinery.