It is the horror of many parents: their own child splashes in the swimming pool or in the lake and suddenly threatens to drown. An experiment has now shown how important the color of swimwear is. Because it can save lives.
Especially for lifeguards and lifeguards, it should be particularly difficult to keep track of the hot temperatures these days when masses of people are drawn to the water again. Telling when someone is about to drown isn’t always easy to spot. Especially when many children are romping around in a pool.
An experiment by the American organization Alive Solutions, which promotes safety in the water and when bathing, examined how long a child is still visible under water and when it is barely recognizable. The color of the swimwear can make a life-saving difference.
The study shows that in a swimming pool, for example, white and light blue colors are almost completely absorbed by the water and are barely visible to the human eye. Blue tones in general should therefore be avoided. Shades of green and bright yellow are also difficult to see underwater. If the water is also moving, for example when many children are splashing in the water, it becomes even more difficult to see a child who is about to drown.
The results presented by the organization on Instagram are clear. “Think bright and high-contrast,” the post reads. The top row shows the fabric underwater in a swimming pool, the bottom row shows the fabric with surface movement. “Although the darker colors can be seen on a light pool floor, they are often mistaken for a pile of leaves, dirt or a shadow.” Therefore, these colors should be avoided if possible. The best visibility is achieved with the colors neon pink and neon orange.
In another post, the same colors are shown in a lake.
The result of the test: If you want to go swimming with your children in natural waters, you should avoid dark colors. Black, red, blue, and gray are all but invisible, especially when the lake is brownish and gray in color. The same applies here: “Think bright and high-contrast.” Neon yellow, green or orange are best visible. Neon pink didn’t fare as well as the white-floor environment, the organization writes.
This test also showed how important it is in lakes, rivers and open water that people stay on the surface, for example with life jackets. Because: from a depth of about 60 centimeters, none of the colors could be seen.
