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What Every Parent Needs to Know Before Picking This Summer’s Swimwear

April 17, 2025

As summer heats up in The Woodlands, families are getting ready for days at the pool, lake trips, and water park adventures. While choosing the cutest swimsuit for your child may be top of mind, color might actually be the most important decision you make.

A recent safety visual (see image below) is making waves online, showing how dramatically swimsuit color impacts visibility in the water—and the results may surprise you.

Why Swimsuit Color Matters for Water Safety

When a child is submerged—even briefly—visibility is key for preventing drowning and responding quickly in an emergency. The problem? Many common swimsuit colors become nearly invisible underwater, especially in natural water like lakes and ponds.

In the image above, you’ll notice how:

  • Bright reds, oranges, and yellows stand out most in both pools and lakes.
  • Colors like blue, gray, white, and even dark purple blend in with the water, making a child harder to spot, especially in shaded or murky conditions.

This matters because drowning is often silent. It’s not like in the movies. There’s rarely splashing or yelling—just a moment of distraction and a child who quietly disappears beneath the surface.

Best Swimsuit Colors for Water Safety

According to water safety experts and lifeguards, the best swimsuit colors for visibility are:

  • Neon pink
  • Bright orange
  • Lime green
  • Red
  • Yellow

These colors are easiest to see against both blue pool water and darker, murkier lake water. Avoid choosing swimsuits in shades of:

  • Blues and purples (blend into pool water)
  • White, gray, or black (blend into lake water)
  • Light pastels (low visibility in all conditions)

“Parents often focus on fit and sun protection—which are important—but visibility can truly be life-saving. Bright, contrasting colors help us spot a child faster in any kind of water. It’s a simple choice that gives you peace of mind.”

Other Water Safety Tips for Families

While swimsuit color is important, it’s just one part of a larger water safety plan:

  • Always have active supervision—assign a designated “water watcher” who isn’t distracted by phones or conversations.
  • Enroll kids in swim lessons early—look for programs in The Woodlands like ISR or local YMCA offerings.
  • Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating and open water play.
  • Teach kids about pool rules, boundaries, and how to call for help.

A Simple Step That Could Save a Life

Choosing a high-visibility swimsuit may feel like a small step—but in an emergency, it could make all the difference. So when you shop for this season’s swimwear, think beyond the style. Pick a suit that pops. The brighter, the better.


Share This With Another Parent

Water safety starts with awareness—and this is an easy tip every family should know. 

Share this article with your summer crew and help keep The Woodlands kids safe in and around the water!


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