Te Wepu Intrepid Pods in French Farm, Akaroa. File Photo / Elise Rutherford Photography
Te Wepu Intrepid Pods in French Farm, Akaroa. File Photo / Elise Rutherford Photography
The perils of drinking alcohol while in spas has been highlighted in a Coroners report on a woman who died while soaking in one at a partner's birthday celebration.
Deborah Jeanne Long, 67, died while staying at the secluded Te Wepu Intrepid Pods in French Farm, Akaroa, in March whereshe was celebrating her partner's birthday.
A report released by Coroner Anna Tutton on Friday said Long had been drinking alcohol before getting into the spa pool and continued drinking while she was in it.
The coroner said she had died from a functional cardiovascular collapse due to alcohol intoxication and hot spa pool immersion.
"Her partner heard glass smashing and turned to find Long unresponsive in the pool. He pulled her out and ran for help. When emergency services attended, they confirmed Long had died," the coroner's findings said.
In Japan and Korea where hot tub use was traditional, many thousands of deaths have been reported and investigated, he said.
However, Sage noted there was some contention in literature from the United States as to whether or not treated hypertension was also a risk for cardiovascular collapse in these circumstances.
Coroner Tutton said some spa pool suppliers advertise that spa pools may help lower blood pressure.
"The extent to which the public is aware of the risks identified...is unknown," Tutton said.
Tutton said publication of the risks could help reduce the chances of someone else dying in the same way as Long did.
