Numbers don’t lie: 4 statistics that’ll keep you from drinking by the pool

It's tempting to crack a few beers and shake up some martinis to enjoy by your salt system swimming pool, but it might be best to resist. A number of different statistics tell the hard truth behind alcohol consumption and swimming pools, and it isn't pretty. Next time you're thinking about having a few harmless drinks, think again. Here are four startling facts that prove you're treading water when consuming alcohol around the pool. 

1. Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional death
As stated by the World Health Organization, the third leading cause of unintentional injury death is drowning. It became a major concern back in 2012, after the source found that roughly 372,000 people drowned that year. While children account for a large number of fatalities associated with drowning, most of the victims are males who drink prior to swimming. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that nearly 80 percent of people who die from drowning are male. 

2. Eighteen percent of all sunburns were associated with alcohol
A study conducted by Boston University revealed that alcohol consumption may increase a person's chance of basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. To come to that conclusion, researchers examined data from 299,658 people, and found that those who had more than five drinks on occasion reported sunburns more frequently. Even people who only had between 1 to 3 drinks per day were at a greater risk of sunburn.

3. One in three 18 to 24 year olds visit the ER for injuries sustained while intoxicated
University of Davis Health System put together a piece that debunked myths surrounding alcohol use. To explain that drinking is dangerous, the group used the statistic that one in three 18 to 24 year olds have to visit the emergency room for injuries that occurred while they were overintoxicated. Additionally, parents play a huge role in how their children use alcohol. Drinking by the pool sets a precedent that it's O.K. to do so for other members of the household. 

4. Drinking hospital visits are more common during birthdays
The Huffington Post reported that a study from Canada revealed that drinking during birthday celebrations causes more hospital visits when compared to other times of the year. From looking at health records from about 350 medical centers, the researchers learned that most incidences occurred when patients turned 19 – the legal drinking age in Canada.