During the 25-year period 1959 to 1983, autopsies were performed and blood alcohol concentrations were measured in 122 men and 13 women aged 15 years and older who died in the Geelong coroner's district after accidental submersion. Postmortem blood alcohol concentrations higher than 17 mmol/L (0.08 g/100 mL) were observed in none of the female victims, but were present in 37% of all male victims and in 51% of those in the 30-64 age group. Forty-two per cent of the latter group had blood alcohol concentrations higher than 33 mmol/L (0.15 g/100 mL). The direct and indirect roles played by alcohol in the accidental drownings of adults are discussed.