When it comes to swimwear, most people think about comfort, style, or whether it matches their goggles. But there’s one factor that’s often overlooked - and it could make all the difference in an emergency: visibility.
Research has shown that certain swimwear colours are far easier to spot underwater than others. And whether you're supervising a busy indoor pool or managing a sun-drenched outdoor lido, visibility is key to keeping swimmers safe.
👀 What the Research Says
❌ Hard-to-see colours underwater: Blue, white, grey
✅ Easy-to-see colours underwater: Pink, yellow, red, black, purple, green, fluorescent shades
Even just two metres below the surface, blue and white swimwear can become virtually invisible - especially in outdoor pools where sunlight reflects off the water, or indoor pools with low lighting and surface glare.
🏊 Indoor vs. Outdoor Visibility Challenges
Indoor Pools
Artificial lighting can create surface glare
Water reflections may distort colour perception
White and pale colours blend into tiled backgrounds
Outdoor Pools & Open Water
Sunlight creates intense surface reflection
Natural water (lakes, rivers) often has low clarity
Blue swimwear disappears against the water’s hue
In both cases, bright, high-contrast colours help lifeguards and responders spot swimmers quickly - especially in crowded or high-risk areas.
🛟 Why It Matters for Safety
Child drownings in England rose by 85% between 2019 and 2022, and we know visibility can contribute to delayed response times. If a swimmer gets into trouble and their clothing blends into the water, it can take precious seconds longer for someone to locate them - and in aquatic emergencies, seconds count.
✅ What Leisure Facilities Can Do
Encourage bright swimwear: Add signage or guidance at reception
Educate families: Share RLSS UK’s advice in newsletters or social media
Train staff to spot visibility risks: Include swimwear colour awareness in lifeguard training
📣 Final Thoughts
Swimwear colour might seem like a small detail - but it’s one that can have a big impact. Whether you're managing a leisure centre or packing for a family swim, choosing bright, visible colours helps everyone stay safer in the water.
