Summer is finally here! The weather is warming up and the pool is set to open tomorrow. Having over 20 years of aquatic experience, I want to stress that one of the most important decisions parents can make for their children is what color swimsuit to dress them in. Most people choose swimwear based on style or comfort, but one new study suggests color is the most important factor. In fact, it could make all the difference in preventing drowning. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for people ages 1-24 globally with children under the age of 5 being at highest risk.
Drowning can happen in less than 60 seconds and although most lifeguards track all children following the 10/20 rule (10 seconds to thoroughly scan their zone and 20 seconds to reach the person in distress), bright neon colors help us keep track of children best. Overall, they are the most visible in all aquatic environments including pools, lakes, and rivers. Dark colors are good for pool environments but are not as visible in the murky natural waters. Pastel colors tend to blend in with the pool floor and make it difficult to see the child, especially if the water is disturbed by wind or other children playing. Stay away from light blues, greys, and teals. Children wearing these colors in any type of water are nearly impossible to see, even on the calmest of days.
– April Sorensen, FAMC Education Coordinator & Pool Manager