We've all heard the phrase "don't drink and drive," but here's a summertime safety tip you might not hear as often: Don't drink and swim. And if you're from West Texas and planning to hit the pool, lake, or river this season, this message could save your life -- or someone else's.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a shocking 70% of water-related deaths involve alcohol. Let that sink in. That stat alone should be enough to convince any of us to leave the beers and cocktails on dry land. Alcohol impairs judgment, dehydrates you, slows your coordination, and increases your chances of making risky decisions -- none of which you want to deal with when you're in or around the water.
Here in Texas, we love our lakes and pools. But a recent study shows 12.9% of Texans don't know how to swim. Combine that with the fact that our state has nearly 7,000 lakes and a crazy 36-to-1 ratio of residents to backyard swimming pools, and you've got a recipe for potential disaster when alcohol is involved.
The CDC reports that 31% of drowning deaths happen when the victim had a blood alcohol level of 0.10 or higher. That's just three to four drinks for most people. It doesn't take much.
The risks aren't limited to the pool, either. Drinking at the beach where currents and riptides are present can lead to life-threatening situations in an instant. Even in controlled environments, alcohol can lead to poor decisions -- like diving into shallow water or trying to "outswim" your limits.
And don't even think about drinking and boating. The stats show 27% of boating and jet ski-related deaths involve alcohol at or above that same 0.10 threshold. Even scarier? You're 14 times more likely to die in a boating accident if the driver is over the legal limit.
I live out at Buffalo Springs Lake, and let me tell you -- I see my fair share of boating mishaps. And you can probably guess what the common denominator is in 99.999% of those accidents.
So, have fun this summer, Lubbock -- but keep it safe. If you're heading out to the lake or pool, leave the drinking until after the swimming. Your life -- and the lives of those around you -- could depend on it!