This report summarizes these findings. One randomly designated respondent aged greater than or equal to 16 years was selected from each household. Respondents were asked about alcohol use during participation in aquatic activities during the year preceding the interview.
Alcohol use is a risk factor for injury and death in aquatic settings for a variety of reasons.
Alcohol use contributes largely to the sex differential in annual drowning rates. In the findings in this report, half of men and one third of women reported alcohol use during aquatic activities, and men reported consuming significantly more alcohol than did women, suggesting that sex differences in drowning may be related to differences in alcohol use and consumption. More than half of all respondents reported that drinking did not increase their enjoyment of aquatic activities, and nearly all favored legislation that prohibits alcohol use in aquatic settings. These findings should assist in planning or refining strategies for prevention of alcohol-related injury in aquatic settings. The injury fact book.