Avoid Alcohol Before Swimming

A sunny day by the water often feels like the perfect time to relax with friends.
The laughter, the music, and sometimes — the temptation to have “just one drink.”
But when it comes to swimming, that one drink can be one too many.

How Alcohol Affects the Body
Alcohol may seem harmless in small amounts, but even a little can affect your
balance, coordination, and judgment.

These three skills are what keep you safe in water.
When your balance is off, it’s harder to stay steady while swimming or walking near slippery edges.
When your coordination slows down, your arms and legs don’t move together as smoothly as they should.
And when your judgment fades, you take risks you normally wouldn’t — like swimming farther out or diving into unsafe areas.

Why It’s More Dangerous in Water
Water adds extra challenges your body must manage — staying warm, breathing properly, and staying afloat.
Alcohol makes each of these harder. It lowers your body temperature faster, delays your reaction time, and makes you less aware of how tired you really are.
Many drowning accidents happen because people underestimate how much alcohol has affected them.
They feel confident, but their body can’t keep up.

Better Choices for Safe Fun
If you’re planning to swim, save the drinks for later.
Enjoy a cold soda, juice, or water instead.
If you’re at a beach or lake, look out for friends who may have been drinking — remind them to wait until after swimming.
Safety doesn’t mean less fun; it means everyone gets to go home safely.

The Bottom Line
Alcohol and water don’t mix.
Whether you’re at a pool, a lake, or the ocean, remember:
Avoid alcohol before swimming. It affects balance, coordination, and judgment — and those are three things you can’t afford to lose in the water.