Drowning Prevention Starts with Visibility: Choose the Right Swimsuit Colors

The Best Swimsuit Colors for Water Safety: What Every Parent Should Know

With summer in full swing, many families are gearing up for days spent at the pool, lake, or beach. While sunscreen, floaties, and swim lessons are often top of mind, there’s one safety tip that’s often overlooked—but could save a life:

The color of your child’s swimsuit matters

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of five. And in many cases, visibility plays a major role in rescue response time. The sooner a child is spotted in the water, the better the chances of a safe outcome.

Best Swimsuit Colors for Visibility

If you want your child to stand out in water—for all the right reasons—choose these high-visibility colors:

• Neon Pink
• Neon Green
• Bright Yellow
• Neon Orange

These bold colors hold up well in both pools and natural bodies of water. They contrast with most water backgrounds and are easier to see in motion or when partially submerged.

Colors to Avoid in the Water

These popular swimsuit colors may look cute—but they’re not great for visibility:

• Blue (blends into pool and lake water)
• Light Gray (looks like shadows or debris)
• White (can reflect glare or disappear in sunlight)
• Black (hard to distinguish underwater)
• Earth tones (brown, olive, tan – mimic lake/pond bottoms)

How to Keep Your Neon Swimsuit Bright

Neon swimsuits are not just cute—they serve a purpose by helping swimmers stay visible in the water. To keep those bright, bold colors vibrant all summer long, follow these care tips:

• Rinse in cold, fresh water after each use
  Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen can break down color and fabric—especially neons.
• Lay flat to dry in the shade
  Sunlight can fade fluorescent dyes. Avoid hanging by the straps or wringing out the suit.
• Avoid washing machines and dryers
  The heat and agitation can dull bright colors and damage the suit’s structure.
• Do not use detergent—or use a very mild one
  Harsh detergents can strip the color. Opt for a gentle, residue-free formula only when needed.
• Beware of pools with high chemical concentrations
  Over-chlorinated water can damage the fluorescence in neon fabrics, leading to faster fading.
• Store flat in a cool, dry place
  Crumpled or stretched storage can distort fit and wear down fabric over time.