Importance of Swimsuit Color for Drowning Prevention
Experts emphasize the significance of swimsuit color in ensuring children's safety at pools and beaches. Bernard Fisher, director of health and safety for the United States Lifesaving Association, stresses that bright and contrasting colors enhance visibility, making it easier for lifeguards and parents to spot children quickly, especially in emergencies.
Fisher advises against swimsuits in navy blue, light blue, or green as they blend with the water and surroundings, making it harder to distinguish children. Instead, he recommends opting for bright and contrasting colors such as neon yellow, orange, hot pink, and red, which are highly visible both underwater and above water.
Research Findings
A study by Alive Solutions tested the underwater visibility of 14 swimsuit colors and concluded that, in a pool environment, neon pink and neon orange had the highest detectability. Darker colors were more visible against light pool bottoms, but were often obscured by shadows. White and very light blue swimsuits had low visibility and could, at times, disappear completely in the pool.
Importance for Lifeguards and Missing Children
Wyatt Werneth, a Florida ocean lifeguard and United States Lifesaving Association spokesperson, highlights the overlooked role of swimsuit color in public safety. He explains, "We absolutely think that colorful clothing plays a factor. If you're wearing the same color as the water or the sand, you're going to blend in."
Lifeguards also emphasize the importance of bright clothing for missing children, as it helps them pinpoint their location in the environment, especially when they unintentionally appear in photos taken by the public.
Statistics and Recommendations
According to data, over 4,500 drowning deaths occurred in the United States annually between 2020 and 2022, an increase of approximately 500 compared to 2019. Children are particularly vulnerable to drowning. Studies suggest that formal swim lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88% among children.