Do alcohol and aquatics mix? The context of youth alcohol consumption and aquatic recreation

Abstract

Executive Summary Background WaterSafe Auckland Inc (WAI), Alcohol Healthwatch (AHW), Auckland City Communities Living Injury Free (CLIF), Auckland City Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) and Youthtown jointly conducted a research project examining the context in which youth alcohol consumption and aquatic recreation occurs given the recent rise in alcohol related youth drownings. The purposes of this project were threefold: 1) to ascertain the personal experiences and observations of youth with regards to the use of alcohol, in on and around water; 2) to examine the contexts, both social and situational, in which alcohol consumption and aquatic activity occurred; 3) To identify at risk behaviours and make recommendations to promote safe practice among youth around water and when engaged in aquatic recreation.