The Cayman Islands are well-known for their climate which offers great outdoor activities residents can enjoy year-round. Summertime is simply that time of year when you can enjoy the Islands’ natural beauty with family and friends. Excursions of underwater adventures on the Submarine or glass-bottom boat, wave running, kayaking, boat charters, trips around one of our islands, paddle boarding, or just an afternoon at the beach, are just a few of the outdoor activities one can enjoy during the summer. While many people reach for a cold beverage during the hot summer weather, perhaps already knowing the health benefits of keeping hydrated, what you may not know is that whether you are boating, swimming or diving, fun in the water and alcohol just don’t mix.
Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision and coordination and is not a good combination with water sports. A single drink can impact your ability to observe and react; two important skills that are necessary in the event of an emergency.
The consumption of alcohol can cause problems with swimming and diving. When under the influence of alcohol persons are not able to accurately judge what is safe and thus can get themselves into dangerous and even life-threatening situations.
When boating, the addition of wind, sun, noise, and motion can intensify the effects of the alcohol and result in a hazard for the driver and the passengers which include falls on or overboard, collisions with other boats or other watercrafts, a higher risk of stumbling at the dock resulting in bruises, cuts and falls.
The combination of alcohol, heat and outdoor recreational activities poses a serious health implication for older adults, individuals with medical conditions, or those on medication.
We recommend packing the following to keep hydrated: plenty of water, juices and noncaffeinated soda when preparing for a long day at the beach or when participating in outdoor recreational activities. If your summer plans include the consumption of alcoholic beverages, consider the following seven safety tips and risks of mixing summer fun with any amount of alcohol;
- If you drive, do not drink; if you drink, do not drive. There is no safe level of alcohol for drivers because everyone reacts differently to alcohol on different occasions. If you are going out with others, decide beforehand who will be the designated driver.
- Never drink and pilot a boat of any kind. The same things that make drinking and driving dangerous can be as deadly on the water as they are on land. Boating, windsurfing, wave running and jet-skiing can all be dangerous to anyone who has been drinking.
- If you are riding in a boat, remember that alcohol will impair your balance and increase your chances of falling overboard. This danger, compounded by alcohol’s
effects on your swimming ability, can be fatal. - Do not swim or dive if you have been drinking. Remember that alcohol will inhibit your swallowing and breathing reflexes, both of which are necessary for swimming. In addition, drinking affects your ability to judge distances and may lead you to swim too far out in the ocean.
- Eat before and during occasions when you are drinking — eating will slow alcohol’s effects.
- Feel free to refuse alcohol for any reason, regardless of pressure or encouragement to drink.
- Do not drink if you are a child or adolescent. For anyone under 18, alcohol is an illegal drug.
While the summer boasts of a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, when mixed with alcohol, these activities can become dangerous for both youth and adults. Weigh the risks and choose responsibly.
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