The serious risk you’re running having that glass of wine in the bath

Slippery, hard-surfaced bathrooms are not safe places in which to use drugs or drink, Australian researchers investigating bathtub drownings say.

An analysis from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre of 195 adults who died in a bathtub or hot tub between 2015 and 2024 found drugs or alcohol contributed to most of the deaths. A medical episode or injury led to 67 of the deaths, but substance use was a contributor in 113.

It’s a popular way to unwind, but drinking alcohol while taking a bath can increase the risk of drowning.Credit: Getty Images

Many of the deaths included blood-alcohol concentrations multiple times over the legal driving limit, the study’s lead author, Shane Darke, said.

“A lot of people would like to have a bath and a glass of wine or a beer or whatever,” the University of NSW emeritus professor said. “But I think we need to get away from this view that it’s a safe place to do that.

“There’s a real risk there.”

The deaths occurred between 2015 and 2024 at more than one every month, across a wide range of ages. The average age was 55.

“People would probably be surprised by that … because all the attention is on rivers and ocean swimming,” Darke said. “There’s a whole lot of unforgiving surfaces [in bathrooms].

“You’re running a real risk in an environment where you could pass out, you could hurt yourself, and no one knows because the door is shut.”

While two-thirds of the deaths analysed were women, all people were at risk of falls, more so if drunk or on drugs.

Some drugs also put pressure on the heart, which can be exacerbated by being in a hot environment, leading to unconsciousness.

More than a quarter of the people who died had a documented history of substance use problems, and more than half had past mental health problems.

“There are a lot of people, a lot of tragedy … the role of drugs in this is quite overwhelming,” Darke said.

The study only analysed deaths where a coronial investigation had been finalised, meaning there were probably more deaths during the analysed period that were not included.

More than a third of the deaths had been ruled “intentional”, and an average of one death each month fell outside this category.

The researchers concluded public campaigns promoting greater awareness of the risks of inebriated bathing could help reduce deaths, as well as checking on bathers who are at risk of suicide.

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

AAP

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.