Can you swim after drinking alcohol?
Nov 20, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Jianjun
Introduction
Generally, one should not swim after drinking alcohol. Alcohol contains ethanol, and swimming after drinking—especially in cool water—can easily cause pores to contract rapidly, leading to sudden expansion of blood vessels and the heart. This increases the burden on the cardiovascular system and may trigger muscle spasms, hypoglycemia, and other issues. Under the influence of ethanol, the sympathetic nervous system becomes more excitable, which could result in cramps, inhalation of water, or even drowning when swimming after drinking.
Generally, swimming after drinking alcohol is not recommended.
Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol. After consumption, ethanol enters the body and causes blood vessels near the skin's surface to dilate, opening pores and promoting heat loss. If one swims at this time, the relatively cool water may stimulate the open pores, causing them to contract rapidly. This leads to sudden expansion of blood vessels and the heart, increasing the burden on the cardiovascular system and potentially triggering muscle spasms. Additionally, alcohol makes the body more fatigued. Swimming under such conditions may lead to hypoglycemia, impair ethanol metabolism, and cause discomfort such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Ethanol is also a stimulant; after drinking, heightened sympathetic nervous system activity and impaired brain function can disrupt normal control over muscle movements. This makes it difficult to respond effectively to emergencies while swimming, significantly increasing the risk of cramps, choking on water, or even drowning.
It is advisable to rest in bed after drinking and wait until ethanol has been completely metabolized and mental alertness has fully returned before swimming.
