With the arrival of summer, many parents are taking advantage of sales to buy bathing suits and bulk sunscreen for their kids. However, while new swimwear may look cute and fun, there may be a hidden danger lurking in the details: the color of the bathing suit you choose for your child could increase their risk of drowning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 4, with 4,000 people drowning in the United States each year.
What Color Bathing Suit Is the Most Visible?
Nikki Scarnati, a Certified Self Rescue Swim Instructor through Infant Swimming Resource, known on TikTok as @springhill.isr, posted a viral video that has been viewed more than 6 million times and has attracted more than 541,000 likes. In the video, Scarnati zooms to the pool behind her, where her young daughter is swimming while wearing a pale blue bathing suit. She points out how difficult it is to see her daughter under the water because her swimsuit blends in with the blue water.
Scarnati advises parents to choose bright, loud colors and patterns to help make sure their children are easily spotted in the water. Bathing suits in neon colors are the most visible in the water, but if those are not an option, she says to look for red, orange, fuchsia, or yellow.
However, the color of a swimsuit alone isn’t enough to keep kids safe in the water. Chris DeJong, founder and president of Big Blue Swim School, a five-time U.S. National Swimming Champion, and a parent of three kids, explains that drowning isn’t always something obvious. Someone in the water may not yell for help, wave their arms or thrash around. With this in mind, it is critical to always provide constant, careful supervision when children are at the pool, beach, lake, or any body of water.
Water Safety Tips for Kids
1. Supervision is Key
Chris DeJong, founder and president of Big Blue Swim School, reminds parents that the color of a swimsuit alone isn’t enough to keep kids safe in the water. It’s critical to provide constant and careful supervision whenever children are near water, whether it’s a pool, beach, lake, or any body of water. Children can drown quietly, so it’s essential to remain vigilant and actively watch children at all times.
2. Acronym S-A-F-E-R
DeJong shares an easy-to-remember acronym – S-A-F-E-R – that parents can use as a guide to ensure water safety:
Swim with a buddy and designate a “water watcher”: Identify an adult in your group who keeps a close eye on swimmers and rotate that person every 30 minutes to avoid supervision fatigue.
Acquire CPR and first aid training: Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take CPR and first aid training with a reputable group, such as the American Red Cross, enabling them to respond quickly and confidently in case of injury.
Find and reduce water hazards: Install fencing, locks, and alarms around water if you have a pool at home, don’t leave toys or items of interest near the water, and ensure proper fitting life jackets are available for any water activities.
Enroll in swim lessons to improve your child’s skills: The CDC notes that formal swim lessons reduce drowning by 88%, making year-round swim lessons the best way to help a child be safer around the water.
Respond fast and call 911 for emergencies: A drowning incident isn’t always obvious, making closer supervision essential for any water activity. Ensure the “water watcher” can respond quickly and dial 911 in case of emergency.
Parents can also encourage good water safety habits by being good role models themselves. “Children learn by example, and parents are their first and most influential role models,” DeJong says. “By always using life jackets and following the S-A-F-E-R principles, parents can set a positive example for their children to follow.”
3. Invest in Year-Round Swim Lessons
One of the most effective ways to decrease the risk of drowning in kids is to enroll them in year-round swim lessons. While swim lessons cannot be taught online, regular practice with a certified instructor is essential for teaching children of any age how to properly swim and stay safe in the water. Look for a reputable swim school with trained instructors in your area, and make sure that children
In conclusion, while it may seem like a small detail, the color of your child’s bathing suit can have a significant impact on their safety in the water. Choosing bright, neon colors or patterns can help make your child more visible, reducing their risk of drowning. However, it’s important to remember that color alone is not enough to keep your child safe. Parents should follow water safety best practices, including providing constant supervision, learning CPR and first aid, reducing water hazards, enrolling children in formal swim lessons, and responding quickly in case of emergencies. By being vigilant and setting a positive example for their children, parents can help ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming season for all.
