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When alcohol and water don't mix: diving under the influence
M W Perrine1, J C Mundt, R I Weiner
1Vermont Alcohol Research Center, Colchester 05446.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Alcohol consumption significantly impairs recreational divers' shallow-water entry skills, increasing injury risk. Divers were unaware of their reduced performance or heightened danger even at moderate blood alcohol concentrations (BACs).
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is prevalent among recreational activities, including diving.
- The effects of alcohol on complex motor skills, such as those required for diving, are not fully understood.
- Assessing impairment in divers is crucial for preventing diving-related injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impairing effects of alcohol on shallow-water entry dive performance.
- To determine the blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at which impairment becomes significant.
- To evaluate divers' self-awareness of their performance degradation and associated risks.
Main Methods:
- 13 male recreational divers (21-35 years old) performed shallow-entry dives across seven sessions.
- Divers were exposed to varying mean group BACs ranging from 0 to 123 mg/dl.
- Diving performance was videotaped and assessed for injury risk; Field Sobriety Tests were administered.
Main Results:
- Significant impairment in diving performance was observed at BACs of 40 mg/dl (0.04%) and higher.
- Field Sobriety Tests indicated widespread impairment at higher BACs.
- Divers demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding their decreased performance and increased injury risk.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption progressively impairs recreational divers' ability to perform shallow-water entry dives.
- Even moderate BACs can lead to significant performance deficits and increased risk of injury.
- Divers' self-assessment is unreliable in detecting alcohol-induced impairment and associated dangers.