Top Swimsuit Colors for Children

As summer approaches and families head to the water for some fun in the sun, it’s important to consider the safety of children while they swim. While most parents are aware of common water safety tips such as supervision and swimming lessons, there is one aspect of pool safety that may not have crossed their minds: the color of their child’s swimsuit.

According to Alive Solutions Inc., a group specializing in water safety training and education, the color of a child’s swimsuit can play a crucial role in their visibility in the water. Through a series of tests in pools with light and dark bottoms, as well as in a lake, the group found that neon colors offer the best visibility in all water conditions.

In a light-bottomed pool, neon pink and orange swimsuits stood out the most underwater, while white and blue colors were the least visible. Similarly, in a dark-bottomed pool, neon yellow, pink, and green were the top three choices for visibility, while blues and grays almost disappeared completely. In a lake setting, neon yellow, green, and orange were the most visible at a depth of 18 inches, although all colors became difficult to see once the water reached two feet deep.

The reason for the importance of bright swimsuit colors lies in the fact that water has a way of making objects disappear. In drowning events, responders have mistaken drowning victims for shadows, towels, or leaves on the bottom of the pool, leading to delays in response or a lack of response altogether. By dressing children in neon or brightly colored swimsuits, parents and caregivers can increase their chances of spotting them quickly in case of an emergency.

In addition to choosing the right swimsuit color, there are several other crucial pool and water safety tips that parents should keep in mind. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, particularly those between the ages of 1-4, according to the CDC. Natalie Livingston, a water safety educator and co-founder of Alive Solutions Inc., recommends teaching kids how to gauge depth versus their height, using life jackets, limiting access to water with barriers or fences, being selective about who supervises kids in the water, and teaching kids how to escape if another swimmer grabs onto them.

Ultimately, visibility is key when it comes to water safety. In busy pool and lake environments, where distractions are plentiful, a brightly colored swimsuit can make all the difference in spotting a child in trouble. By incorporating this simple yet effective safety measure into their pool and water routines, parents can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for their little ones.