Relaxing in the sun has become one of the few ways that Americans can safely socially distance themselves and enjoy the summer of 2020. As a result, summer drinking is likely going to be a part of most summer plans. This can be a good way to unwind, but it’s important to remember that drinking accompanied by prolonged sun exposure can be dangerous for just about anyone.

The ways the sun and alcohol affect your body are more similar than you may think. Both can cause dehydration and dilate blood vessels. It’s important to remember your limits and take the necessary precaution before engaging in this kind of summer fun. Driving after a day of these kinds of activities should never be an option, nor should boating and drinking. Always designate a driver for any vehicle on the land or the water.

Summer drinking combined with high temperatures keeps your body from effectively regulating its internal temperature. Heat stroke usually presents itself in 3 phases. The first is heat cramps. This results from the loss of water and sodium. Dehydration sets in as part of the second phase causing heat exhaustion. Lastly, is an actual heat stroke. In this final phase, you could go into shock or organ failure.

Dehydration is the direct result of alcohol. It also occurs as your body sweats in response to prolonged sun exposure. Drinking in the hot sun can cause you to lose fluids twice as quickly. Symptoms of dehydration can include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and nausea.

When you overheat, you have the potential to faint. Blacking out could be the result of drinking too much. Both of these are caused by dilated blood vessels. Your body begins to warm up with prolonged sun exposure and your blood vessels begin to dilate. Dilated blood vessels make you more susceptible to fainting if you don’t drink enough water. Drinking alcohol also causes dilated blood vessels and can be exacerbated with prolonged sun exposure.

Both prolonged sun exposure and drinking can make you achy, weak, and impair your judgment. Whether you are hanging by the pool, floating down the river, or boating, it’s always important to remember proper water safety. Dehydration and dilated blood vessels can increase the potential for accidents and impair your ability to effectively navigate water of any depth. You might lack the necessary coordination and energy to stay afloat or run the risk of passing out in the water. Always designate someone who isn’t drinking to drive the boat or watch the pool.

As a good rule of thumb, you should be drinking at least one bottle of water per alcoholic drink. It’s a good idea to alternate between the two. Remember, that alcohol will cause more frequent urination and you will dehydrate faster.

Eating while you’re drinking is a good way to slow your body’s absorption of alcohol. Grains like crackers, bread, and biscuits have shown to absorb the most amount of alcohol. If these are not available, be sure to eat what is available. If you don’t have anything to eat, you might want to consider slowing your alcohol intake to the recommended one drink per hour.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,  a man shouldn’t consume more than four drinks in a day and a woman should not consume more than three. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor. You might be tempted to continue drinking, especially if you are having fun with a group of friends. Remember you have limits it’s a good idea to count your drinks.

The best way to ensure everyone’s safety it to not drink at all.  However, if you are going to drink make sure you have someone who is going to stay sober. In an emergency, response time is crucial, and having someone who isn’t drinking saves lives.

Responsible summer drinking can be a lot of fun, but it can turn bad very quickly. Driving after spending a day in the sun drinking can result in severe consequences. If caught by the police, you could lose your license and serve jail time. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI , you will need the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney. Jesse Kalter has a proven track record of tenaciously pursuing justice. He will do everything he can to achieve the best possible result for your case. Jesse Kalter is available to serve Reno , Sparks , Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, Dayton, Yerington, Douglas County, and all other Northern NV rural counties.

Summer Drinking Doesn’t Have to End in a DUI Conviction
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