Friday, June 6, 2008

Canoeing and kayaking while drunk can lead to death


Canoeing and kayaking while drunk leads to death. Here is part of the Reuters HealthDay article from May 21, 2008 referring to a CDC (Center For Disease Control) study.

Canoeists and kayakers who want to enjoy the water while staying safe should wear lifejackets, get some training, and stay away from alcohol, suggest health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Among the 38 people who died while participating in paddle sports in Maine between 2000 and 2007, more than two-thirds weren't wearing lifejackets and 5 (of 31 tested) had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit for boating and driving in the state, Dr. Jon Eric Tongren of the CDC and colleagues found.


I remember reading years ago about the number of people who drown because they are swimming while drunk. Part of the explanation is that intoxicated people become disoriented when under water and can't tell up (the surface) from down (the bottom.)

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