If In Doubt, Choose A Swimsuit To Stand Out
Swimming is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages, especially children. It’s an effective way to teach children about coordination, balance, fitness, and fun. Despite these benefits, one often overlooked factor when getting kids ready for the pool is their swimwear color. While blue might be a favorite and visually pleasing choice, it isn’t necessarily the safest one.
The Color Blue and Pool Safety
Blue swimsuits pose a safety risk mainly due to “camouflage.” The concept of camouflage revolves around the principle of blending in with one’s surroundings. This mechanism is expected in the animal kingdom but can also be unintentionally applied in human activities like swimming.
Don’t Match The Swimsuit To The Water
Most swimming pools are designed with a blue interior surface. This color is popular because it gives a clear and calming impression, mimics the color of the sea, and helps to effectively reflect sunlight to maintain water temperature. However, a child wearing a blue swimsuit in a blue pool may blend into the background. This effect can pose difficulties in keeping track of the child’s position and detecting any potential issues.
Potential Risks
- Reduced Visibility: Lifeguards, supervisors, or parents may find it more challenging to keep an eye on a child wearing a blue swimsuit, especially from a distance. This decreased visibility could delay the response time if the child is distressed.
- Difficulty in Underwater Surveillance: Underwater surveillance systems, when available, can play a critical role in ensuring pool safety. However, these systems might have trouble differentiating between a blue swimsuit and the pool itself, which could lead to a potential delay in identifying and responding to an emergency.
- Impeded Rescue: In emergencies, every second counts. If a child is wearing a blue swimsuit and is submerged, it may take extra time for rescuers to locate them, especially in deep pools or low visibility.
Enhancing Safety with Color Contrast
One of the best ways to enhance pool safety is to use color-contrasting swimwear. Bright and contrasting colors like yellow, red, or orange are easier to spot in a blue pool by human eyes and surveillance systems. These bright colors can be an added safety measure, making the child more easily identifiable in the water.
Colorful Swimming Aids: Additional Safety Measures
Along with using contrasting swimwear, it’s a good idea to implement other safety measures. Use bright swimming aids like float vests or floaties. Regular swimming lessons are also vital to increase safety – teaching children essential skills and the right responses to various situations.
Choosing the right swimwear color can significantly enhance child pool safety. While a blue swimsuit might seem attractive, it’s essential to consider how easily you or a lifeguard can spot your child in an emergency. Bright, contrasting colors can improve visibility and response times, making all the difference in a dangerous situation.
Pool safety should always be the top priority, and every measure, no matter how small, can make the pool a safer place for children to enjoy their time and learn valuable skills.