Bright Colours Save Lives – The Science Behind Colourful Swimwear
Learning to swim safely is vital for life. Besides technique, one often overlooked factor plays a major role: the colour of the swimsuit. Bright colours like neon pink, orange or neon green are not only trendy but also an important safety feature.
Why colours in the water are so important
- Water reflects and absorbs light
Water absorbs light waves, and certain colours disappear more quickly with depth. Blue, grey or pastel tones blend in with the colour of the water and become nearly invisible. These colours are barely recognisable after just a few metres. - Strong contrasts increase visibility
Bright colours – especially neon orange, neon yellow or neon pink – offer the highest contrast against the blue or green tones of the water. Research (e.g. from Alive Solutions) shows that these colours are the most visible in both pools and lakes. - Fast recognition saves lives
Drowning is often silent and happens quickly, sometimes within seconds. Bright clothing enables parents, supervisors or rescue personnel to spot potential danger faster and react more quickly.
Conclusion: More visibility = more safety
Recommended steps for water safety:
Choose swimwear for children in neon pink, neon orange, neon yellow or neon green.
- Avoid colours like blue, grey, white or black – they disappear in water.
- Add reflective strips or high-contrast patterns. These provide even more visibility.
- Also emphasise the importance of active supervision, swimming lessons and rescue knowledge – because colour alone does not prevent drowning.
Further links:
- Royal Life Saving WA: „Swimwear and Visibility Safety“ (
royallifesavingwa.com.au
) - BBC Future: „How the colour of your swimsuit can save your life“ (
bbc.com
)
