Why Swimwear Colour Matters More Than You Think

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.