Alcohol and Drowning—The Geelong Experience,1957–1980

Abstract

The resident population in the Geelong coronial district is approximately 250 000 persons and has almost doubled since 1957. The autopsy rate for all persons dying by accident is virtually 100 per cent, with specimens being taken for blood alcohol concentration on all such deaths. The ‘Geelong Experience’ concerning alcohol and drowning is based on the post-mortem findings and the history of the events which surrounded 238 fatal submersions during the 24-year period, 1957 to 1980. Males greatly predominated over females and 139 drownings occurred in males aged 15 years and older. No female had an autopsy blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.08 per cent (18 mmol/L) whereas such concentrations were present at autopsy in 35 per cent of all drowned males aged 15 years and older. Of the deceased males in the 30 to 64 years age group, 45 per cent of those submersed while swimming or surfing and 75 per cent of those falling or slipping into water had autopsy BACs greater than 0.150 per cent (33 mmol/L). Of these latter males, 8 (that is, 33 per cent) had autopsy BACs greater than 0.25 per cent (55 mmol/L).