Friendwatch
Keep your boozy friend away from the water
Summer draws people to lakes, rivers and the seaside to relax and enjoy themselves. But even in these carefree moments, it’s important to remember that alcohol and swimming don’t mix.
Alcohol impairs judgement, slows reaction times, and affects balance and coordination. People who have been drinking are more likely to overestimate their abilities and make risky decisions they wouldn’t otherwise make. As a result, the risk of a water-related accident increases significantly.
Why Don’t Alcohol and Swimming Mix?
Alcohol affects both your body and your mind – even in small amounts.
Even after a small amount of alcohol, you are more likely to:
- overestimate your abilities
- react more slowly
- tire more quickly while swimming
- lose your balance and coordination more easily
- fail to recognise danger or respond to it in time
You don’t have to be heavily intoxicated for alcohol to become dangerous. Even a small amount of alcohol – or a hangover – can impair your coordination and make being in or around water life-threatening.
In the water, even a slight loss of balance can have fatal consequences. If water enters your airways or you lose consciousness, drowning can happen very quickly.
Don’t let your intoxicated friend go into the water
The most effective way to prevent drowning is to stop anyone who has been drinking from swimming or entering the water.
- Keep an eye on your friends.
- Agree in advance that at least one person in your group will stay sober.
- Encourage anyone who has been drinking to stay on shore.
- Suggest an alternative activity instead of swimming, such as going for a walk or watching something together.
Stepping in takes awareness and courage – but it could save a life.
A Drowning Person May Not Call for Help
In films, people who are drowning shout for help and wave their arms. In reality, all of their energy is focused on breathing and staying above the surface. As a result, someone who is drowning can easily go unnoticed, even when other people are nearby.
| Myth | Reality |
| A person who is drowning will shout for help. | A drowning person is usually unable to call for help because all of their energy is focused on breathing and staying afloat. |
| A person who is drowning will wave their arms. | Instead of waving, they instinctively press their hands down on the water or out to the sides to keep their head above the surface. |
| A person who is drowning will swim towards the shore. | They often remain in one place and are unable to make progress. |
| A person who is drowning will kick their legs vigorously. | There may be little or no leg movement. |
| A person who is drowning will look obviously panicked. | Their expression may appear blank or glassy, and they may not respond to people around them. |
| If someone is quiet, everything is fine. | Silence can be a warning sign. A drowning person may slip beneath the surface repeatedly without attracting attention. |
If the person doesn’t respond, seems confused or fails to react, call 112 immediately.
If it is safe to do so, throw or reach them a floating object they can hold onto. Do not put yourself at risk. A person in panic may instinctively grab hold of you and pull you under in an attempt to stay above the water.
Alcohol Is a Common Factor in Water Accidents
In 2025, 30 people lost their lives in water-related incidents in Estonia.
- 68% had consumed alcohol or were suspected to have been under the influence.
- The average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 2.59‰.
- The average age of those who died was 62.
- Most of those who lost their lives were men.
Keep in mind
- Alcohol and swimming don't mix.
- Don't let anyone who's been drinking go into the water.
- Make sure at least one person in your group stays sober.
- In an emergency, call 112 immediately.
Spotting danger early and havin the courage to step in could save a life.