Swimming in the sea or river while drunk is fraught with adverse consequences, including serious hypothermia. Oksana Ardintseva, a gynecologist of the highest category Invitro-South, told Izvestia about dangerous mistakes while relaxing near a reservoir, as well as about ways to prevent hypothermia.
“After drinking alcohol, even a small amount of swimming is strictly prohibited, since the effect of ethyl alcohol leads to the expansion of the vessels of the internal organs and even 5 minutes of being in a pond can lead to serious adverse consequences. Drinking alcohol destroys and weakens the body, in particular the immune system, the chances of getting a cold or getting hypothermia of any organ in cool weather increase sharply, ”the expert warned.
According to her, even a short stay in a pond during May-June can lead to hypothermia of internal organs: kidneys, bladder and appendages, especially in young girls and women. The water temperature should be at least 18 degrees, but the combination of some meteorological factors, such as high humidity and wind, increases the risk of hypothermia.
As the doctor warned, hypothermia is fraught with a number of dangerous consequences, including pharyngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the appendages, kidney disease. Cystitis can also develop if you stay in a wet bathing suit for a long time, crouching on cold and wet stones or cold sand.
At the same time, hypothermia is especially dangerous for young children, since their thermoregulation center has its own characteristics. The child may not feel the manifestation of the first symptoms, which is why it is so important for parents to monitor the child and control the time spent in the pond, Ardintseva emphasized.
The development of hypothermia may be indicated by symptoms such as bluish color of the lips, very cold skin temperature and the effect of “goosebumps”.
“In May and June, the water in the sea or river is not always warm enough for swimming, so it is quite difficult to determine the onset of hypothermia. For example, if the weather is windy and the water is cool, 2-3 minutes is enough for a strong hypothermia of the body. In any case, it’s better to just plunge into the water and go out, immediately use a towel, ”the doctor advised.
To reduce the risk of adverse effects, it is recommended to exercise before and after bathing, as well as change into dry clothes, drink hot tea, wrap yourself in a warm towel or blanket.
“If hypothermia nevertheless occurred, then it is necessary to immediately help the victim, warm him, rub his body and give a hot drink. It is very important to take measures to prevent complications. If, nevertheless, weakness, malaise appear and you feel that you are starting to get sick, you should consult a general practitioner, ”added Ardintseva.
On May 24, kayaking instructor Artur Baginyan stated that alcohol is the main cause of death of people while relaxing by the river or the sea is swimming while intoxicated. He stressed that it is necessary to swim only in specially equipped places and on beaches – only in these places can a person avoid injuries and receive help from rescuers.
Citizens who do not know how to swim can be in the water at a depth not higher than the waist. At the same time, Baginyan pointed out, the use of air mattresses and circles is not allowed – in this way a person can be carried away far from the coast.