Swimsuit Colors – Dressing Kids For Safety

When preparing for a day at the pool, parents have a lot on their minds. They need to remember to pack snacks, towels, water, and lotion, and ensure that all the pool toys are ready to go. But one important aspect that often gets overlooked is what color swimsuit their child should wear. While it may seem like a trivial matter, swimsuit colors can have a significant impact on children’s safety in the water.

A recent TikTok video from swim instructor Nikki Scarnati has garnered over 6.2 million views, raising awareness about the importance of swimsuit colors for children’s safety. Scarnati highlights that light blue, and any pastel or light tan colors, are especially dangerous as they blend in with the water, making it difficult to see the child, especially if they are at the bottom of the pool. This can make it challenging for lifeguards or parents to rescue a child in distress quickly.

In contrast, bright colors like fluorescent orange, green, pink, and red are the safest options for children’s swimsuits. These colors stand out and are easy to spot in the water, making it easier to keep track of children and to rescue them if necessary. It is no coincidence that life jackets are often bright orange; they are designed to be easily visible in the water.

While some parents may believe they can keep a close eye on their children, accidents can happen quickly. A child can easily slip underwater without warning, and every second counts in such situations. Thus, it is crucial to dress children in bright and easily visible colors when they go swimming.

Which Swimsuit Colors Are Safest For Children?

Bright, neon colors such as orange, yellow, and green were found to be the most visible in tests conducted by experts. These vibrant colors stood out prominently against the water, making it easier to spot a child even from a distance. In contrast, popular swimsuit colors like blues and greens almost disappeared, making it challenging to locate a child in the water.

Test results also revealed that white and light blue swimsuits were among the least visible. In lakes, white appeared to be a light reflection or clouds on the surface, blending in with the surroundings. In pools with dark bottoms, white looked light blue up close but quickly disappeared as one moved farther away. Dark colors or swimsuits that matched the color of the water also vanished quickly in pools with dark bottoms, while dark colors stood out better in pools with light bottoms but could easily be mistaken for leaves, dirt, or shadows.

Interestingly, neon pink performed well in pools but not in lakes, indicating that the visibility of swimsuit colors can also vary depending on the body of water.

These test results highlight the importance of choosing the right color for your child’s swimsuit when it comes to safety in the water. Opting for bright, neon colors like orange, yellow, and green can significantly enhance the visibility of your child in the water, making it easier for lifeguards or parents to spot them, especially in crowded or busy swimming areas.

Experts say parents need to prioritize their children’s safety by choosing bright swimsuit colors that stand out in the water. While there are many pressing matters to consider when preparing for a day at the pool, dressing children for safety should always be a top priority. By following the recommendations of experienced swim instructors and lifeguards, parents can ensure that their children can swim safely and have fun in the water.