Alcohol and injury risk at a Western Australian school Leavers Festival

Abstract

Leavers appear to have a reasonable level of awareness and knowledge of the risks associated with alcohol consumption and aquatic activities, which may reflect the impact of education campaigns. However, this knowledge is not always translated into nonrisky aquatic behaviour.

“They don't think it will ever happen to them”: Exploring factors affecting participation in alcohol‐influenced aquatic activity among young Australian adults

“…18 To further explore alcohol use in aquatic settings, research has surveyed and breathalysed individuals in Australian aquatic environments, finding: those most likely to record an alcohol reading over the drink driving limit (BAC 0.05%) at a river were aged 18-34 years 19 ; and, over a quarter of an 18-to 24-year old sample reported swimming at a beach within 2 hours of consuming alcohol in the preceding 12 months. 20 Likewise, young school leavers reported consuming alcohol in aquatic contexts during a leavers festival in Western Australia, 21 but underestimated the risks associated with combining alcohol consumption and swimming. 22 Hamilton and Schmidt 15 investigated the predictors of Australian young adult males' intentions to swim after consuming alcohol, finding subjective norms and attitudes were contributory factors.…”

Respecting alcohol, respecting the water: Young adult perspectives on how to reduce alcohol‐influenced drownings in Australia

“…13 Evaluation details, in peer-reviewed or grey literature, are also scarce, hence, the relevance and applicability of the campaigns to the group of focus remain unconfirmed. [13][14][15][16] As a result, the effectiveness of these prevention campaigns in changing young adults' behaviour, knowledge and/or attitudes in relation to alcohol-influenced aquatic activity (defined here as activities in and on the water following/during the consumption of alcohol, and while alcohol effects could be influential on the individual) is currently unknown.…”

Injury prevention and health promotion: A global perspective

“…There are examples in these articles of the benefits of creating, sustaining and growing injury prevention and health promotion and how professionals can contribute to the reduction of injuries and violence. 23,27 This compilation reinforces the importance of partnerships, as a way of strengthening injury prevention efforts. 32 These articles also reinforce the need to frame injuries and violence as predictable and preventable public health problems and the importance of identifying and implementing evidence‐based interventions.…”