‘Do not pack' warning over popular kids' swimwear colour this summer – and there's more than one you need to avoid

The Sun

24-07-2025

PARENTS are being warned about a hidden danger lurking in plain sight – the colour of their children's swimwear.
So if you're lucky enough to be heading on holiday this summer, then you'll need to listen up and take notes.
1
Kids Swimwear Colour
As the summer holidays get underway, UK families are getting ready for a much-needed getaway to sunny beaches and waterparks.
However, parents planning to take their youngsters for a swim should pay attention to the colour of their child's swimming costume as it could be a lifesaver.
The consumer watchdog Which? has issued a warning via Instagram, revealing that the shade of a swimsuit can make all the difference in a life or death situation, reports the Express.
Alive Solutions conducted tests on various colours and patterns in both open waters and swimming pools to assess visibility and Which? alerted its followers with a stern message.
Which? stated: "The colour of your kid's swimsuit could save their life.
"If you're buying a swimming costume for your child, you should choose a bright neon block colour."
They explained that vibrant neon colours remain highly visible underwater.
But pale blues and whites can become almost invisible, making it difficult to spot a child in distress so do not pack them.
Visibility Tests
The video shows a series of tests evaluating swimwear visibility from different angles.
This includes surface level, shore perspective, and from above a shallow depth of two feet.
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However, many costumes were found to be "barely visible".
The best choices for maximum visibility were neon yellow, green, and orange, while other colours simply faded away.
The organisation noted: "While the darker colours could be seen, they could easily be mistaken for shadow or dirt."
Alive Solutions' research indicated that solid colours are more visible than patterns, with neon shades being the most detectable.
Tips to Keep Children Safe in Water
IF you are going on holiday this year and want to keep your kids safe when in water, here are some important things to note.
Constant Supervision:
Always keep a close watch on children when they are in or near water.
Avoid distractions like phones or books.
Learn CPR:
Take a CPR course to be prepared for emergencies.
Ensure that any caregivers or babysitters also know CPR.
Swim Lessons:
Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons.
Encourage them to practice regularly to build confidence and skills.
Use Life Jackets:
Ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or near open bodies of water.
Do not rely solely on inflatable toys or floaties for safety.
Establish Water Rules:
Set and enforce rules such as no running near the pool, no diving in shallow water, and swimming only with adult supervision.
Secure Pools:
Install barriers around pools, such as fences with self-latching gates.
Use pool covers and alarms to provide additional layers of security.
Educate About Water Hazards:
Teach children about the dangers of drains and suction outlets in pools and hot tubs.
Explain the risks of natural water bodies like currents, tides, and underwater obstacles.
Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected:
Ensure children drink plenty of water and take breaks to avoid dehydration.
Apply waterproof sunscreen to protect their skin from harmful UV rays.
Buddy System:
Encourage the buddy system where children swim in pairs or groups, ensuring they look out for each other.
Check Water Depth and Conditions:
Verify the depth of the water and check for any hazards before allowing children to enter.
Be aware of weather conditions and avoid swimming during storms or strong currents.
By following these tips, you can significantly enhance the safety of children in and around water, ensuring they have a fun and secure experience.
The study also found that small patterns don't significantly affect visibility regardless of their colour.
Conversely, large dark patterns were shown to greatly diminish how noticeable swimwear is.
For example, a plain neon orange swimsuit is more visible against a dark pool bottom compared to one with large navy stripes.
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