Alcohol consumption and death by drowning in adults; a 24-year epidemiological analysis.

Abstract

This 24-yr epidemiological analysis of alcohol consumption and death by drowning in adults is based on the post mortem findings and the history of the events surrounding 238 fatal submersions which occurred in the Geelong (Australia) coronial district during the years 1957-1980. The resident population increased during the study from .apprx. 125,000 persons in 1957 to 250,000 persons in 1980. The autopsy rate for death by drowning was virtually 100% and specimens were taken for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in all such deaths. Men victims greatly predominated over women. Thirteen women and 139 men were aged 15 yr and older. No women had an autopsy BAC > 0.8%; these concentrations were present in 35% of the men. Of the 73 men in the 30-64 yr age group, 45% of those drowned while swimming or surfing and 75% of those falling or slipping from piers, wharfs and watercraft had BAC greater than 0.15%. In a significant proportion of the accidental drownings the immersed person did not appear to struggle or surface and even when pulled almost immediately from the water was found dead. The possible mechanisms in such alcohol-associated deaths are discussed.