A quarter of Brits “take more risks” when it’s hot outside – with a third admitting they’ve gone for a swim after consuming alcohol.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 22 per cent don’t see any harm in going for a dip in the summer months after one or two drinks.
Joe Pepler/PinPepThe risk of drowning increases five-fold in temperatures over 20[/caption]
Joe Pepler/PinPepThe ‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ campaign raises awareness for the risks of swimming under the influence[/caption]
With 64 per cent blaming peer pressure for the number of people who drink and swim, while 80 per cent think lack of awareness could also be a factor.
It also emerged 74 per cent had no idea a quarter of drowning-related incidents involve alcohol, and 41 per cent weren’t aware hot weather can make you feel the effects of alcohol more strongly.
While 70 per cent didn’t know the risk of drowning is significantly more likely in the UK after drinking when air temperatures hit 20 degrees – compared to when temperatures are below 10 degrees.
The research was commissioned by Malibu, which has teamed up with Tom Daley to raise awareness of the heightened risk of drowning when it’s hot and after consuming alcohol.
The Olympic gold medallist, who retired last year, showed his support for the campaign by wearing innovative colour-changing swimming trunks which turn yellow at 20 degrees, designed to remind the wearer of the increased risk of drinking and unintentional drowning in hot weather.
He said: “It was inspiring to see the impact of last year’s ‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ campaign, in raising awareness of water responsibility when drinking.
“This year, our mission remains the same: to raise awareness and change behaviour for the better, this time with a fresh summer-centric focus.”
The study also found for 38 per cent, having a few drinks by the beach or the pool is one of their favourite things to do.
With 57 per cent of drinkers finding it all too easy to get carried away – admitting to having one or two too many.
Of those who’ve gone for a swim after drinking, the pool is their most likely destination (86 per cent) followed by the sea (42 per cent) and hot tubs (29 per cent).
And 45 per cent have soon come to regret their decision – admitting they’ve struggled in the water after consuming alcohol.
Carried out through OnePoll, the research also found many of those polled were unaware of the biggest health risks prior taking part in the study.
It emerged 73 per cent didn’t know recovery from cold water shock is more difficult after swimming while under the influence of alcohol, and 70 per cent didn’t know there’s an increased risk of hypothermia.
Similarly, 32 per cent had no idea coordination is impacted and 29 per cent hadn’t realised judgement is impaired.
A spokesperson for Malibu said: “With ‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ back for round two, we’re here to remind the nation of the increased drowning risk in hot weather.
“As temperatures rise, people are naturally drawn to the outdoors, so it’s important to remind Brits that the risk increases when they become less cautious in these conditions, after all, one in four drownings involve alcohol.
“We encourage the nation to have fun this summer and stay responsible.”
Sam Hill, researcher at Bournemouth University, added: “What should be a fun day near the water can turn into a high-risk situation when you combine alcohol and heat.
“Our data show a five-fold increase in drowning risk when temperatures exceed 20 degrees.
“‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ sheds an important light on these dangers and encourages everyone to drink and enjoy the water responsibly this summer.”
GettyAlcohol can pose a number of health risks for swimmers[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
