When shopping for your child’s summer swimwear, you probably think about comfort, style, or their favorite color. But according to many swim instructors and safety experts, the color of your child’s swimsuit is more important than you might realize. In fact, blue swimsuits could pose a potential danger when it comes to water safety. Here’s why experts recommend avoiding blue swimsuits for kids and what you should consider instead.
1. Blue Swimsuits Blend in with the Water
One of the main reasons swim instructors advise against blue swimsuits is that they can blend in with the water, especially in pools, lakes, or oceans with blue or greenish hues. When a child is swimming or, in the worst case, struggling underwater, the blue suit makes them harder to spot. This can delay the response time of lifeguards, parents, or other observers, putting the child at higher risk of drowning.
According to water safety professionals, visibility is crucial for ensuring the safety of children around water. Bright, contrasting colors are easier to see and allow for quicker intervention if needed.
2. Safety Should Be a Priority
While it might be tempting to choose a blue swimsuit because it’s aesthetically pleasing or matches your child’s preferences, safety should always come first. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths in young children, and even strong swimmers can face danger in unexpected situations. The color of their swimwear is a simple yet critical factor that can improve their visibility and safety in the water.
3. Lifeguards Struggle to Spot Blue
Lifeguards are trained to scan water constantly for signs of distress. However, even the most vigilant lifeguard can struggle to spot a child in a blue swimsuit submerged or swimming in the water, as it creates a camouflage effect. When seconds count, bright colors like neon pink, orange, or yellow make it much easier for lifeguards and parents to quickly see children, especially from a distance.
4. What Colors Are Better for Swim Safety?
So, if blue isn’t a good choice, what colors should you look for? Experts recommend swimsuits in bright, high-contrast colors that stand out in the water. Here are some top options:
- Neon orange
- Bright yellow
- Lime green
- Hot pink
These colors not only stand out in clear pool water but also in murkier conditions, such as lakes or oceans. By choosing a swimsuit in a bright and contrasting color, you can significantly increase your child’s visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
5. Visibility in Different Water Types
It’s important to note that the color of the water varies depending on where your child is swimming. In pools with clear, blue water, a blue swimsuit can cause your child to blend in almost entirely. In lakes or oceans, the same effect can occur due to the darker, murkier conditions. Brightly colored swimwear helps ensure that your child remains visible, regardless of the water environment.
6. Practical Tips for Parents
While choosing a brightly colored swimsuit is a great step toward water safety, there are a few more practical measures parents can take to ensure their child stays safe while swimming:
- Enroll in swim lessons: Learning to swim is one of the best defenses against drowning. Starting lessons early builds strong swimming skills and increases a child’s confidence in the water.
- Always supervise: Never rely solely on lifeguards or flotation devices. Constant supervision is essential, even for strong swimmers.
- Use additional safety devices: Equip your child with brightly colored life vests or arm floaties in open water for added visibility.
- Teach water safety: Make sure your child knows the basics of water safety, including never swimming alone, staying close to the shore, and what to do in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
While a blue swimsuit may seem harmless, the potential risks outweigh the aesthetic appeal. Choosing bright, contrasting swimwear colors ensures that your child is easily visible in the water, allowing for quick action in case of danger. When it comes to your child’s safety, even small decisions like the color of a swimsuit can make a big difference. So next time you shop for swimwear, opt for vibrant hues that stand out and keep your child safe in and around the water.