The Surprising Risks of Buying Your Child a Blue Swimsuit: Insights from a Swim Instructor

1. Introduction

With summer vacation approaching, it’s time to ensure pool safety for children. Experts stress the importance of swimsuit color to enhance visibility in the water.

2. Expert Advice on Swimsuit Color

Nikki Scarnati, a certified infant swimming resource instructor, highlights the risks associated with blue bathing suits. She warns parents about the visibility challenges posed by this color.

3. Importance of Visibility

Scarnati’s insights are backed by visual evidence. She demonstrated how challenging it can be to spot her daughter swimming in a light blue suit next to her in the water. Such visibility issues can become significantly more dangerous in crowded or splashing environments.

4. Broader Water Safety Measures

While a bright swimsuit is an important element of swim safety, it is merely one part of a comprehensive approach. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4, with an average of 11 drowning deaths per day in the U.S.

5. Recommended Swimsuit Colors

To enhance safety, Scarnati advises choosing neon colors for swimwear. If neon suits are unavailable, alternatives include red, orange, fuchsia, or yellow. Such colors improve visibility and can contribute to a family’s overall swim safety plan.