Risks of Alcohol and Other Drug Use during Water Recreation Activities Awareness of the particular affects of alcohol on the body in relation to participation in water recreation activities can provide a basis for making decisions to stay safe. This affect is seen almost immediately and increases the risk of falling overboard. Within minutes of falling overboard in cold waters, you may not be able to call for help, swim or float due to the faster affects of hypothermia caused by alcohol. Alcohol affects judgement . This affect is seen almost immediately.
Alcohol diminishes judgement and decision-making ability.
Peripheral vision, focus, and depth of vision are all impaired by alcohol, making it difficult to judge speed and distance. Alcohol also reduces night vision. Alcohol may cause inner ear disorientation, which can make swimmers swim down, not up to the surface, greatly increasing the risk for drowning. Alcohol slows reaction time. This effect is seen almost immediately.