How the Color of Your Kid's Swimsuit Could Save Their Life
As summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about water safety. Pool gates, swim lessons and supervision all play an important role in keeping your child safe around water, but did you know your fashion choices could too?
ALIVE Solutions Inc., a company specializing in aquatic safety, urges parents to put a little extra thought into their tiny tot’s swimsuit purchase this year. Beyond a fashion statement, the color and pattern your child wears makes a big difference in their visibility while playing in the pool. Being able to spot your little one easily is important when it comes to preventing accidents and aiding in rescues.
Researchers recently put several swimsuit colors and patterns to the test to see their visibility in both pools and open water. Here’s what they found.
- Neon colors offer the ultimate visibility. Just like a neon vest can keep you safe when running or biking on the side of the road, neon colors, including bright orange, yellow and green, were crucial in spotting a child underwater. Neon orange performed best across all categories.
- Contrast matters Certain colors show up better in certain places. Although the darker colors show up on a light pool bottom, they can often be dismissed for a pile of leaves, dirt or a shadow. While neon pink provided an easy-to-see pop of color in pool settings, it disappeared quicker in open water areas.
- White and light blue are difficult to see Especially in pools with light bottoms, these hues easily blended in with their surroundings and camouflaged little swimmers.
- Small patterns don’t impact visibility very much. The study also looked at patterns and determined that, in a pool environment, small patterns had little effect on visibility, but large dark patterns often decreased visibility.
The bottom line—think bright and contrasting when shopping for swimsuits for your kiddos.
Five Adorable, High-Visibility Safe Swimsuits for Kids
Blooming Rose Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit
Highly visible in dark and light-bottomed pools, this Blooming Rose Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit from Mia Belle Baby is as safe as it is sassy and stylish. Buy it: $40, MiaBelleBaby.com
Kanu Surf Boys’ Platinum Rashguard in Orange
Not only is this neon orange rash guard great for visibility in pools and open water environments, but it also protects your baby from the sun with a UPF 50+ rating. Buy it: $20, Amazon.com
One Shoulder Swimsuit in Multi Sunray
A colorful rainbow fit for your ray of sunshine! This high-quality, bright color-blocked suit is lauded by parents as being easy to spot in and out of the pool. Buy it: $40, BodenUSA.com
Baby Swim Trunk in Color Blocking in Cantelope/Bubblegum
This gender-neutral option from Primary sports two of ALIVE’s top colors for visibility, bright pink and orange. Pair them with their Baby Rash Guard for a high-visibility, sun-safe pair. Buy it: $23, Primary.com
Barbie™ Ruffled Tankini Two Piece Swimsuit
While big dark patterns can be problematic for visibility, this small, on-trend Barbie print from Posh Peanut pops with pink. Buy it: $63, PoshPeanut.com
Remember, no matter how bright or cute your child’s suit is, swim skills and constant supervision around water are key to keeping your child safe. As you head out this summer, keep these pool and swimming safety tips in mind.
