Why Sea-water is Dangerous to Drink

Korero (AEWS), Volume 2, Issue 4, 28 February 1944, Page 20

Why Sea-water is Dangerous to Drink

Everybody knows that sea-water should not be taken to quench thirst, but do you know why ? The amount of salt in sea-water is equal to a teaspoon of salt in a 6 oz. cup of water. This is three times as much salt as there is in the bloodstream. If you drink sea-water when fresh water is not available, your body water will be used up to dilute the extra salt; and then your thirst is increased, you suffer from retching and cramps, fever comes on, and finally you go out of your mind. However, British medical authorities point out that the experience of survivors from shipwreck, as well as the results of experiments, suggest that sea-water in small quantities is valuable for moistening the lips and for moistening the mouth as an aid to swallowing food. It is stated that if the total amount of sea-water consumed daily in this way is not more than 6 oz., no harm is likely to result in the course of a lifeboat voyage of at least ten days. Taken in quantities, however, seawater is very dangerous. To keep yourself in good physical condition, you need at least 18 oz. of water a day—that is, 2 oz. more than a pint. But a healthy man can live from eight to twelve days without any water. One important thing to remember if you have no water is, don’t eat. If you do eat, the water in your body will be used up in digesting and assimilating the food. Don’t drink liquor, either — will make you sick and delirious.