When shopping for your child’s new swimsuit this year, you’ll surely consider proper fit and appealing design, but what may very well be the most important aspect of your purchase is the color. 

From vibrant floral blooms, to the soft hues of picturesque sunsets, to Easter egg dye and the latest color (or colors) of our hair, colors color our world. However, when it comes to water safety and your child, the color of their swimsuit may not be merely a preference, it could save their life. 

The color you choose for your child’s swimsuit can actually keep your child safer by making them easier to spot underwater…and the best colors for quicker location of a child underwater may surprise you. The most popular swimsuit colors are blues and greens, but these color options can virtually disappear under as little over a foot of water. Also keep in mind that every color is easier to spot in a pool than the ocean, a lake or a river, but even in a pool, darker colors can fool us into thinking they are just a shadow or debris.

The rule of thumb to pick the most detectable color is “brighter is better.” Colors like neon orange, yellow and lime green are best, as are contrasting color combinations, such as swim trunks in large blocks of bright colors or a bright orange top paired with hot pink bottoms.

Of course, nothing can replace the supervision of an attentive, mature adult who is nearby, but the color you choose for your child’s swimwear can certainly help keep them safe from drowning.