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.
Alcohol reduces inhibitions-even a cautious person is likely to take more risks.
It diminishes the ability to react to several different signals at once-it takes longer to receive signals from eyes and ears and longer to react. 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 .