βYouβre 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.β
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While two-thirds of 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.
βThere are a lot of people, a lot of tragedy β¦ the role of drugs in this is quite overwhelming,β Darke said.
The study only analysed deaths where a coronial investigation had been finalised, meaning there were probably more deaths during the analysed period which were not included.
More than a third of the deaths had been ruled βintentionalβ, with an average of one death each month falling outside this category.
The researchers concluded public campaigns promoting greater awareness of the risks posed by inebriated bathing could help reduce deaths, as well as checking on bathers who are at risk of suicide.
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