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Did you know ? Certain colors of swimsuits could promote drowning. Explanations.
While the temperatures are getting milder, our dear little ones have only one idea in mind: diving head first into the swimming pool. Except that these first swims are not without risk, and cause new drownings every year. To limit them, there are several good reflexes to know. An American company specializing in water safety reveals in particular that the color of the swimsuit is very important.
Exit black, white and blue
Certain colors of swimsuits would thus be easier to spot in a swimming pool or in open water (sea, lake), indicates Alive Solutions, a company specializing in water safety.
To confirm this hypothesis, two separate tests were conducted. Swimsuits of 14 different colors were immersed in a swimming pool or a lake, in calm water and in rough water.
Result ? In the swimming pool, with a light background, tests showed that the neon pink and neon orange stood out much more clearly.
Against the light background of the pool, the darker colors also stood out… but could be camouflaged by shadows, leaves and/or dirt.
As for the swimsuits that were barely or not visible, these were, unsurprisingly, white and light blue swimsuits.
“Light colors or blues tend to look like cloud reflections or blend completely into the surroundings“, confirms Natalie Livingston, co-founder and owner of Alive Solutions, a lifeguard for over 25 years.
Another notable result: the researchers discovered that very bright, even neon, colors were the most visible, although neon pink was not very convincing in the lake.
As for other colors to avoid to minimize the risk of drowning, black and navy blue were particularly problematic. These colors blended too easily with the debris in the water.
Bright, contrasting colors should be favored
“Bright, contrasting colors stand out more clearly on the water, allowing rescuers and parents to quickly spot a child, especially in an emergency,” said Bernard Fisher, director of health and safety. security of the American Lifeguard Association, in an email response to our colleagues at CNN (Source 1). “People should avoid light blue, gray or green swimsuits, as they can blend in with the water and pool surroundings, making it difficult to spot a child. We recommend bright, contrasting colors like neon yellow, orange, pink and bright red “, he continues.
“Of course, the color of the suit doesn’t matter if no one is supervising effectively, but it can and does help in conjunction with effective supervision and other levels of water safety prevention.”assures Natalie Livingston.
Other anti-drowning reflexes to know
Beyond the colors of the swimsuit, other safety measures help prevent the risk of drowning among children:
- Ensure that an adult supervises children at all times when they are in or near water.
- Enroll your children in swimming lessons from an early age.
- Put life jackets or armbands on young children.
- Ensure open water swimming areas are safe and supervised.
- Equip your swimming pool with a safety device (barrier, alarm or cover).