The Influence of Alcohol and Drugs on Drowning among Victims of Senior Years

Abstract

Unintentional fatal drowning among older people is an issue as lifespans lengthen and older people embrace active retirement. While pre-existing medical conditions are a known risk factor for drowning among this age group, less is known about the role of alcohol and drugs. This 15-year (1 July 2002 to 30 June 2017) Australian study used coronial data to investigate the impact on older people (aged 65 years and older) of the obtundent effects of prescribed drugs which had been ingested by those with a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Of the closed coronial cases with toxicological information (N = 471), one quarter (24.6%; N = 116) had consumed alcohol prior to drowning (one in seven BAC ≥ 0.05%), of which a third also had obtundent drugs present (33.6%; N = 39). Rivers/creeks/streams and swimming pools were the locations with the highest number of drowning deaths. Bathtubs (36.8%) and rivers/creeks/streams (17.9%) recorded the highest proportion of cases with victims having a BAC ≥ 0.05%. Bathtubs (13.2%), lakes (7.0%), and rivers/creeks/streams (6.8%) recorded the highest proportion of drowning cases with obtundent drug involvement. Obtundent drug involvement was significantly more likely for activities where the person who drowned was alone (i.e., unknown activity) (X2 = 6.8; p = 0.009). Common obtundent drugs included Diazepam, Tempazepam, and Codeine. Advocacy to prevent drowning in older people is a complex challenge, due to the myriad of locations where drowning occurs, the consumption of alcohol, and polypharmacy required for treating illness and maintaining good health.

Exploring a Hidden Epidemic: Drowning Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older

“…We recommended that data agreements allow for the sharing of medical information to inform research and help develop prevention activities including information on multiple conditions present. Alcohol and drug influence were not explored, and further research into these risk factors is warranted (Pearn et al, 2019). Additionally, the methods used for population projections impact the final calculations of projected drowning mortality.…”

Media reporting of summer drowning: A partial picture, useful for advocacy

“…This may be due to the drowning incidents not being witnessed or the perceived lack of “newsworthiness” of drowning among older people. However, ageing populations are a global issue, with the drowning rates of older people being resistant to downward change in Australia . It is recommended that all professionals working in drowning prevention improve engagement with the media on this topic, to work towards raising awareness and reducing drowning among this age group.…”

“I never had a thought about drowning”. Exploring water safety attitudes and practices among older adults in Western Australia

“…11,12 A Heideggerian approach considers the nature of a particular phenomenon by investigating individuals' experiences. 11,13 This allows rich, thick insights of perspectives, experiences and/or situations to guide evidence-informed policy and practice. 12,14 This approach has utility in exploring under-researched areas in psychology and public health including drowning prevention and water safety across the lifecourse.…”

“…52 Further exploration of behaviour and location as risk factors is recommended, including increased aquatic participation and travel patterns after retirement. 13 Programs should also seek to address differing segments within this target group (eg those who actively participate in aquatic activities and those who do not) when promoting water safety messages.…”