Can I swim in the afternoon if I drank alcohol at noon?

Generally, one should not swim in the afternoon if they have consumed alcohol at noon.

Alcohol contains ethanol, and some alcoholic beverages have relatively high ethanol content. After drinking, neurological functions may be suppressed, leading to varying degrees of reduced precision in motor skills and neural activity. This can result in symptoms such as slowed movements, mild tremors in the limbs, and a feeling of head fullness. Under these conditions, it becomes difficult to respond effectively to emergencies that might occur while swimming. Additionally, ingesting ethanol causes blood vessels near the body surface to dilate and pores to open, causing most people to feel warm and appear flushed. If one swims after drinking, the strong thermal conductivity of water accelerates heat loss from the body, potentially causing dizziness or hypoglycemic fainting. It may also stimulate the pores, leading to chills, rapid drops in body temperature, increased strain on the heart and blood vessels, muscle spasms, and a higher risk of accidents. Therefore, swimming in the afternoon after drinking alcohol at noon is not recommended.

It is advisable to rest in bed after drinking and wait until ethanol has been fully metabolized and mental alertness has returned to normal before swimming.