Parents Urged To Check The Colour Of Their Child's Swimwear After Concerning Study

As the summer holidays approach, families across the UK are preparing for beach and pool trips. However, recent research has highlighted a concerning issue: millions of children are being put in danger by wearing swimwear that can't be seen underwater.

According to recent statistics, two-thirds of kids wear blue, white, or grey swimwear, making them difficult to spot if they get into trouble. Blue swimwear, the most popular among children in the UK, is particularly problematic as, like white and grey, it reportedly becomes almost invisible once it is only 2 metres underwater.

Studies show 90% of parents were unaware that these colours are hard to see underwater, with 90% of parents also saying more awareness needs to be raised around the subject.

Olympic Gold Medallist Rebecca Adlington Speaks Out In Support Of On The Beach Campaign

One parent speaking out on the issue is Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, who is supporting a campaign by On The Beach to raise awareness and push for legislation to ban these blue, white and grey kids' swimwear.

Adlington, who recently learned about this issue, said, "I’ve swam my entire life and I’ve only recently become aware that there are certain colours that can’t be seen underwater. As a parent, I feel like I should have been aware of this sooner."

But Why Are These Colours Of Swimwear So Dangerous?

Colour expert Lee Chambers explained: "It can be much harder to see swimwear in blue, white, and grey due to how water interacts differently with certain wavelengths of light, lack of light reflection, and how colour blends when underwater."

"The lack of contrast, disruption of outline and camouflage effect can all play a role in making swimwear in these colours difficult to discern, lack visibility and go unnoticed, a potential safety risk in comparison to colours that reflect light and have a sharper contrast."

On The Beach and the Royal Life Saving Society UK are urging parents to choose bright swimwear for their children. Safe colours include pink, yellow, red, black, purple, green, and fluorescent colours, which are much easier to spot underwater.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said, "I’m horrified that so many retailers are putting children in potential danger by selling swimwear that can’t be seen underwater. They need to do better by their customers and put safety before profits."

The campaign has also gained support from swimming instructor and Tiktok star Nikki Scarnati, who shared a video demonstrating how difficult it is to see a child wearing a blue swimsuit underwater. She urged parents to avoid blue swimwear and opt for brighter shades instead.

With the first heatwave hitting the UK and temperatures reaching 29C in London, swimming is a popular way to stay cool. Whether it's at the beach, a local pool, or even the Thames, ensuring kids wear visible swimwear can prevent unnecessary accidents and keep them safe this summer.