When it comes to ensuring your child’s safety in the water, choosing the safest swimsuit colors is an important and often overlooked element. Believe it or not, the color is a big deal. As you’ll see, studies show that bright, neon-colored swimsuits are significantly safer. They help to enhance visibility in the water and can help prevent drowning danger.
I See You! The Importance of Visibility in the Water
While parents and caregivers often focus on teaching children how to swim, there are other factors to consider as well. Don’t get us wrong, swimming lessons are massively important for child water safety. That said, no one should neglect the importance of choosing the safest swimsuit colors for kids. According to research from Alive Solutions Inc., a group specializing in water safety education, the color of a child’s swimsuit can significantly impact water safety.
Picking the Best and Safest Swimsuit Colors for Kids Safety and Visibility
For their research, Alive Solutions Inc. tested over a dozen swimsuit colors to determine their visibility in different water conditions. The results were clear: neon colors offer the best visibility in all water environments.
When it came to light bottomed pools, neon pink and orange swimsuits were the winners. These colors stood out the most in pools with light-colored bottoms. In the experiments, these colors made it easier for parents and lifeguards to spot children underwater. In contrast, white and blue swimsuits performed poorly, blending into the background and becoming nearly invisible.
Photo from Alive Solutions shows how different colored swimsuits appear in a lake.
For dark-bottomed pools, the study showed similar results. Here, neon yellow, pink, and green were the top performers. Conversely, blue and gray swimsuits seemed to nearly disappear from view. Overall, the key takeaway is that when choosing the safest swimsuit colors for kids, err on the side of bright, contrasting colors. This is true regardless of the swimming pool’s design.
Is The Different When Swimming in a Lake or Pond?
Beyond the backyard swimming pool, the research also tested swimsuit colors in lakes at a depth of 18 inches. Once again, bright colors won the day. Neon yellow, green, and orange were the most visible. That said, all colors became much more difficult to see once the water depth reached about two feet.
Photo from Alive Solutions shows how different colored swimsuits appear in a pool of water.
Why Visibility in the Water Matters
When it comes to drowning incidents, responders often make mistakes due to poor visibility. A would-be-rescuer may mistake a person for a shadow or pile of leaves at the bottom of the pool. This optical illusion can cause critical delays in response times. Sadly, it only takes a few moments for a person to drown.
With the summer swimming months in full swing, it’s crucial for families to prioritize water safety. Something as simple as the color of your child’s swimsuit can significantly impact their visibility in the water and potentially save their life. For this reason, remember to choose the safest swimsuit colors for kids. Don’t get tied up on fashion choices. Safety should always come first.
By combining the safest swimsuit colors with active supervision, properly installed pool fences and alarms and other water safety practices, parents can create a safer environment for their children to enjoy the water. Remember, visibility is key, and every precaution counts when it comes to protecting our little ones.
Please share this vital information with your friends and family. For more water safety information, explore the rest of this blog.
