TikTok Is Telling Parents To Avoid Blue Swimsuits — But There's More To Know

When it comes to children’s swimsuits, most parents might focus on the style or fit of the swimsuit — or they might make sure that they get a swimsuit in their child’s favorite color. But it turns out that the color of your child’s swimsuit can play a big role in pool and water safety, and is a critical choice that can help prevent drowning.

And this month, TikTok has been filled with parents warning everyone that blue swimsuits can be dangerous since they’re tough to see under water, and some people are extremely concerned.

One TikToker and swim instructor, Nikki Scarnati, has garnered over 5.2 million views with her warning to stay away from the color blue this summer if you’re headed to the pool or beach.

“Look how difficult it is to see her under the water,” she says in the video, as her daughter swims in a blue bathing suit she bought for the purpose of the video. “And this is in calm water. This is not with a whole bunch of other kids playing and splashing around and having a good time. Even look in the sunlight. Look how difficult it is see her because it is the same color as her environment. Do not buy blue bathing suits.”

According to the experts, she is exactly right. And a study has found that there are other colors that aren’t ideal, as well as some colors that are proven to be safer.

A study by ALIVE Solutions Inc., a company focused on aquatic safety, tested out visibility levels of different swimsuit colors in both pools and open water. The company put swimsuits of all colors in about 18 inches underwater, and compared how easy it was to see them in both agitated and still water.

Darker shades and colors like blue were the most difficult to see, while neon colors had the highest visibility. White was also a difficult color to see underwater. Even in pool situations with a white pool floor, bathing suits with darker colors could easily be mistaken for a pile of leaves or other debris when viewed from above.

Some of the most popular swimsuit colors, like blue and green, quickly blend in to the water. Children can drown in as little as 20 seconds, and this lack of visibility can be the reason why a lifeguard or caregiver can’t see a child struggling in the water before it’s too late.

Ultimately, the study concluded that no matter where your child is swimming, be it a baby pool in the backyard or in a freshwater lake, bright, neon-colored swimsuits are the safest bet. The study concluded that neon orange, neon green, and neon yellow were the easiest to see from a distance.

Even brighter red, pink, and orange tones can quickly blend with the water as they sink deeper.

The company also stressed that while getting your kid in an ‘80s neon swim getup is a safe move, these colors can still disappear quickly in larger bodies of water and at levels deeper than 18 inches. To be extra cautious, ALIVE Solutions recommends investing in some floatation devices like life-jackets and floaties that also have a vibrant hue.

“Also remember…the bright and contrasting colors help visibility, but it doesn’t matter what color your kids are wearing if you aren’t supervising effectively and actively watching!” the company wrote on their blog.