Swimsuit Colors

Jun 06, 2024

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When preparing for a day at the pool, parents have a lot on their minds. They need to remember to pack snacks, towels, water, and lotion, and ensure that all the pool toys are ready to go. But one important aspect that often gets overlooked is what color swimsuit their child should wear. While it may seem like a trivial matter, swimsuit colors can have a significant impact on children’s safety in the water.

A recent TikTok video from swim instructor Nikki Scarnati has garnered over 6.2 million views, raising awareness about the importance of swimsuit colors for children’s safety. Scarnati highlights that light blue, and any pastel or light tan colors, are especially dangerous as they blend in with the water, making it difficult to see the child, especially if they are at the bottom of the pool. This can make it challenging for lifeguards or parents to rescue a child in distress quickly.

In contrast, bright colors like fluorescent orange, green, pink, and red are the safest options for children’s swimsuits. These colors stand out and are easy to spot in the water, making it easier to keep track of children and to rescue them if necessary. It is no coincidence that life jackets are often bright orange; they are designed to be easily visible in the water.

While some parents may believe they can keep a close eye on their children, accidents can happen quickly. A child can easily slip underwater without warning, and every second counts in such situations. Thus, it is crucial to dress children in bright and easily visible colors when they go swimming.

Bright, neon colors such as orange, yellow, and green were found to be the most visible in tests conducted by experts. These vibrant colors stood out prominently against the water, making it easier to spot a child even from a distance. In contrast, popular swimsuit colors like blues and greens almost disappeared, making it challenging to locate a child in the water.

Test results also revealed that white and light blue swimsuits were among the least visible. In lakes, white appeared to be a light reflection or clouds on the surface, blending in with the surroundings. In pools with dark bottoms, white looked light blue up close but quickly disappeared as one moved farther away. Dark colors or swimsuits that matched the color of the water also vanished quickly in pools with dark bottoms, while dark colors stood out better in pools with light bottoms but could easily be mistaken for leaves, dirt, or shadows.

Interestingly, neon pink performed well in pools but not in lakes, indicating that the visibility of swimsuit colors can also vary depending on the body of water.

These test results highlight the importance of choosing the right color for your child’s swimsuit when it comes to safety in the water. Opting for bright, neon colors like orange, yellow, and green can significantly enhance the visibility of your child in the water, making it easier for lifeguards or parents to spot them, especially in crowded or busy swimming areas.

Experts say parents need to prioritize their children’s safety by choosing bright swimsuit colors that stand out in the water. While there are many pressing matters to consider when preparing for a day at the pool, dressing children for safety should always be a top priority. By following the recommendations of experienced swim instructors and lifeguards, parents can ensure that their children can swim safely and have fun in the water.

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Alise Everton has been working in the pool industry for the past decade and is an experienced press correspondent and contributor for numerous trade publications and web portals including PoolMagazine.com and PoolContractor.com among others. Contact her for guest posting opportunities, press releases, and pool equipment related news.

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The lifeguard shortage in America is poised to have a significant impact on summer activities, potentially leading to the early closure of over 50% of public pools across the country. As families flock to beaches, pools, and water parks to beat the summer heat, the lack of lifeguards poses a threat to the safety and enjoyment of these recreational spaces.

While the demand for lifeguards has consistently exceeded supply in recent years, the current shortage is reaching unprecedented levels. In New York City, for example, even with a 9% pay increase and sign-on bonus, the city is still left with only one-third of the required lifeguards. This pattern is mirrored across the country, with states and municipalities reporting their worst lifeguard shortages on record.

According to the American Lifeguard Association, approximately half of the nation’s 309,000 public pools will be forced to either close their doors or reduce their operating hours due to the lack of lifeguards. This statistic highlights the gravity of the situation and the widespread impact on communities’ access to safe swimming facilities.

Colorado is one state taking proactive measures to address the shortage. The state has allocated a series of grants aimed at rectifying the problem. For example, the YMCA in Johnstown, Colorado, received just over $10,000 to invest in training and recertification programs for lifeguards and lifeguard instructors. The goal is to attract and train more staff, especially in smaller communities where the pool of potential lifeguards is limited. These resources will help ensure that there are enough trained professionals to teach and safeguard swimmers.

The reasons behind the lifeguard shortage are multifaceted. Low salaries, a lack of qualified applicants, and rigorous testing procedures contribute to the challenge of hiring lifeguards. The American Lifeguard Association highlights that being a lifeguard is more than just a summer job. Lifeguards play a vital role in informing people about potential dangers and ensuring their safety in and around water. This level of responsibility requires individuals with the right qualifications, skills, and commitment.

The consequences of the lifeguard shortage extend beyond mere inconvenience. They pose serious risks to public safety, particularly as the summer season brings a surge in water-related activities. Drowning incidents can occur within seconds, emphasizing the urgency of having trained and vigilant lifeguards on duty.

Lifeguards play a crucial role in preventing drownings and ensuring water safety. The following facts underscore the importance of lifeguards in safeguarding lives:

To address this issue, concerted efforts are needed at various levels. Increasing salaries, offering attractive benefits, and providing opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement can help attract and retain lifeguards. Additionally, promoting lifeguard certification programs, raising awareness about the importance of water safety, and investing in community resources can contribute to a more sustainable lifeguard workforce.

As communities strive to enjoy the pleasures of water recreation, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals. By recognizing the significance of lifeguards and taking active steps to address the shortage, we can ensure that swimming pools and other water facilities remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone during the summer months.

As a community, let’s make a difference and put water safety as a top priority this entire pool season, not just during Water Safety Month.

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As Water Safety Month comes to an end, the importance of education and awareness remains a top priority, especially during the busy summer months. Drowning prevention and water safety efforts are ongoing, requiring the collective efforts of both pool owners as well as professionals to educate and promote proper safety measures. As a community, spreading the message, sharing resources, and working with organizations like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable water experience for everyone.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children aged 1-4, and it can occur quickly and silently. To effectively prevent drowning incidents, it is crucial to implement multiple layers of protection. By understanding and embracing the five layers of protection, we can actively prevent tragedies and save lives. Take a few minutes to learn these layers, and together we can create a safer environment:

These important facts highlight the critical need for ongoing education, access to swim lessons, and the implementation of preventative measures. Making water safety a priority during the pool season is crucial for families to protect their loved ones and prevent tragic incidents. Children are particularly vulnerable to drowning, and accidents can occur unexpectedly. By implementing better water safety measures, families empower themselves to respond effectively and ensure the well-being of their loved ones.

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PHOENIX, May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Many Americans do not know how to swim, placing themselves at risk as they enjoy swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans this summer.

According to a recent Leslie’s-commissioned survey conducted by The Harris Poll, only 63% of U.S. adults say they are very comfortable being around water, and as much as 36% of those surveyed say they do not know how to swim.

The numbers are even more alarming for children. Nearly half the parents of children under 18 years of age say their child does not know how to swim, and 61% say their child has not taken swimming lessons. Almost 30% of parents say they are concerned about their child drowning.

Those concerns are well-founded. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every year in the U.S. there are an estimated 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children ages one to four years with the majority of the drownings occurring in swimming pools versus natural bodies of water. The CDC also reports that drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death in children and adolescents ages 5 to 19 years old, behind motor vehicle crashes. Among children 5 to 14 years of age, 30% of the drowning deaths occur in swimming pools, while more than half of the drownings among people 15 years or older are in natural waters such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.

“Children are irresistibly drawn to water, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond, or a river. It’s better to teach them how to be safe in the water than to instruct them to avoid it and hope they listen,” said Cullen Jones, four-time Olympic swimming medalist, who is now a swimming lessons advocate and Leslie’s water safety collaboration partner. “Learning to be safe and at ease in the water also opens up a whole new world of recreational and athletic possibilities, such as boating, fishing and competitive swimming, among others.”

Jones nearly drowned at age five. His mother reacted — not by keeping him out of the water, but by enrolling him in swimming lessons, where he thrived. While swimming lessons are important, pool owners should take additional safety precautions to prevent drownings.

Three Tenets of Water SafetyA priority at Leslie’s is to spread awareness of three primary tenets of pool safety, including maintaining healthy and safe water, ensuring a secure pool area, and encouraging swimming lessons and water safety education.

Leslie’s is dedicated to helping its customers stay safe during swim season and all year long. To maintain clean and healthy water, regular testing is crucial to uphold proper water balance. Leslie’s makes it easy with its free AccuBlue in-store water test and treatment plan. The AccuBlue technology is a product of Leslie’s 60 years of water testing experience and the accumulated data from more than 50 million tests. AccuBlue covers 10 parameters and generates a water health score and customized treatment plan to help pool owners get their water back in balance. The company offers additional products, tools, and information to stay safe in and around the pool, from the latest in pool security fencing, gates, safety covers, and alarms to learn-to-swim products.

Encouraging swimming lessons and education, Leslie’s is proud to support the water safety efforts of the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. From May 5 through October 31, 2023, Leslie’s will be accepting customer donations in all their more than 1,000 stores across the nation and online to support water safety programs. To benefit our communities, 100% of all donations will be split equally between the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, both of whom share Leslie’s passion for water safety. Leslie’s and its customers have contributed more than $500,000 to these two nonprofit organizations. For the first time, Leslie’s is sponsoring the Phoenix location of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, to be held at the South Valley YMCA on June 22, 2023.

About Leslie’sFounded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Phoenix-based Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

For more information about Leslie’s, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie’s on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

About Cullen JonesCullen Jones is a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record. He nearly drowned at age five in a water park in Pennsylvania and after that incident his mother enrolled him in swim lessons, and it soon became clear that Jones had natural talent as a swimmer. He dedicates a significant portion of his time to his role as a water safety advocate. He is a partner of Leslie’s, the most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry, as the voice of water safety, especially during May, Water Safety Month, and across the entire swim season.

About the SurveyThis survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie’s from April 25-27, 2023, among 2,050 adults ages 18 and older, including 687 parents of children under age 18. Results were weighted for age within gender, region, race/ethnicity, household income, education, marital status, and size of household where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

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