The safest swimsuit colors underwater for kids to wear

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While you might think the design and size of your child's swimsuit are the top priorities, the color of their swimwear is a crucial detail that can greatly impact their safety in the water. Bathing suit colors significantly affect underwater visibility, which can be the difference between quickly spotting a child who has gone underwater and risking their life.

Alive Solutions, a leader in aquatic safety, training, and risk assessment, conducted tests on 14 different swimsuit colors to determine visibility. Their studies, conducted first in a pool and then in a lake, revealed surprising results.

The Tests

Bright and contrasting colors are recommended as the safest choice when buying swimwear.

For each test, Alive Solutions placed each swimsuit color on the water's surface, then submerged them, agitating the water to a depth of about 18 inches—critical for visibility in an emergency. Photos were taken at shore level and slightly elevated positions, simulating lifeguard or caregiver perspectives. Shockingly, many colors, including popular choices like blues and greens, almost completely vanished underwater.

Bright is Best

In both open water and pools, bright, neon colors such as orange, yellow, and lime green were the most visible. Pools showed some leniency, but testers noted dark colors blended with debris like leaves or dirt. White swimsuits were also problematic as they mimicked cloud reflections.

Contrast is Key

Opt for vibrant, contrasting colors to ensure visibility. Large color blocks or contrasting pairs, like a bright orange rash guard with hot pink or neon yellow bottoms, enhance safety in water.

Environmental Factors

Water clarity, lighting, currents, and weather conditions can all impact the visibility of swimsuits. While neon colors generally offer the best visibility, some colors like neon pink perform well in pools but poorly in lakes. Thus, consider the environment you plan to visit when choosing swimwear.

Why This Matters

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children. Proper dress enhances your ability to spot a child in distress quickly. Alive Solutions emphasizes that bright clothing should complement but not replace active and vigilant supervision.

"Effective supervision is crucial," Alive Solutions states, "no matter how bright your child's swimsuit is."

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe in the Water

Ensure annual swim lessons to keep your child's skills up-to-date.

Be Close and Constant

Effective supervision means being close, constant, and distraction-free. Always have a designated "watcher" free from conversations and distractions.

Keep Small Children Within Arm's Reach

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends "touch supervision" for young swimmers. An adult should be within arm's reach to quickly respond if a child goes underwater.

Invest in Swim Lessons

Swim lessons teach kids how to stay safe around water. Children can start as early as one year old, and skills should be refreshed annually.

Swimsuits to Help Keep Kids Safe

Here are some kids' swimsuits that embody the principles of swim safety.

1. Cool Rash Guard with a Fun Graphic

They'll look cool and be safe in this bright orange rash guard.

Kids will love the shark graphic, while parents will appreciate the high visibility of the fluorescent orange color. This Lands' End rash guard features UPF 50 protection.

$11 at Lands' End

2. Quick-Drying Shorts in a Swim-Safe Color

The colors pop on these quick-drying shorts.

Available in fluorescent green, neon orange, and bright red, these unisex shorts are ideal for visibility in any water condition. They dry quickly and are ultra-lightweight.

$12 at Amazon

3. Cheerful Rash Guard with Flower Power

This rash guard is noticeable and stylish.

Featuring vibrant colors and floral designs, this rash guard ensures safety and style. Pair it with neon bottoms for maximum visibility.

$21 at Amazon

4. A 3-Piece Set Ready for Pairing

This three-piece from The Gap is great for mix-and-match.

This bright fuchsia set is recommended for safety. Mix and match the pieces with neon or contrasting shades.

$65 at The Gap

5. Criss-Cross Bikini Perfect for Pairing

This bikini looks great and mixes well with other pieces.

The neon green criss-cross bikini from Shein pairs well with the fuchsia set from The Gap, offering both style and safety.

$10 at Shein

6. Neon Rash Guard

These rash guards are bold, bright, and UPF 50.

Protect against the sun and enhance aquatic safety with these neon orange or yellow rash guards.

From $11 at Amazon

7. Contrasting Swim Trunks

These neon swim trunks are bright and bold.

Pairing these swim trunks in a contrasting shade with a brightly colored rash guard increases visibility. Neon yellow is a recommended choice.

From $10 at Lands' End

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