The Best Swimsuit Colours in Water for Safer Swimming
Best Swimsuit Colours Proven to Keep Swimmers Safe
Did you know the colour of your swimsuit could save a life?
When it comes to swimming safety — especially for kids — every detail matters, including what colour they’re wearing in the water. In this ultimate 2025 safety guide, we’ll uncover which swimsuit colours are most visible underwater and which to avoid in pools, lakes, and oceans.
Backed by expert insight, this guide helps you make smarter, safer swimwear choices for you and your family.
In this blog:
Why Swimsuit Colour Visibility Matters
Best Swimsuit Colours for High Visibility in Water
Swimsuit Colours to Avoid for Safety
How Visibility Changes in Different Water Types
Bonus Tips to Keep Swimmers Safe
Swim Safety FAQs: What Parents and Swimmers Are Asking
Why Swimsuit Colour Visibility Matters
Whether you’re enjoying a backyard pool or a weekend at the lake, visibility is a critical factor in water safety — especially for young children.
- Bright swimsuit colours help parents, guardians, and lifeguards spot swimmers quickly.
- In low light or murky conditions, the right colour can mean faster response in an emergency.
- Canada sees hundreds of water-related fatalities annually — many of which could be prevented with stronger visibility and supervision.
In high-risk or fast-moving water environments, visibility is one of your first lines of defense.
Best Swimsuit Colours for High Visibility in Water
These top-performing colours have been proven in real-world testing to be the easiest to see both underwater and above the surface, whether in a clear pool or open water.
1. Neon Yellow:
- Stands out sharply in both blue pool water and murky lakes
- Maintains brightness in both daylight and shadow
- Ideal for children swimming in any setting
2. Bright Neon Green
- High contrast against both light and dark water tones
- Excellent for visibility in pools and oceans alike
- A fun, unisex colour that’s easy to find from a distance
3. Fluorescent Orange
- Vibrant and unmistakable
- Works well in both clear and cloudy water
- Stays visible even at greater depths or in wavy conditions
These colours are especially recommended for toddler swimsuits, camp groups, and swim lessons.
Swimsuit Colours to Avoid for Safety
1. Blue (All Shades)
- Blends in with pool water, becoming nearly invisible from above
- Very hard to distinguish in underwater photos and video tests
2. Black
- Disappears into the dark shadows at the bottom of pools or lakes
- Nearly impossible to spot in emergency situations
3. White
- Reflects sunlight on the surface but disappears in waves and foam
- Low contrast in murky or shaded water
How Visibility Changes in Different Water Types
| Water Type | Best Colours | Worst Colours |
| Clear Pool | Neon yellow, green, pink | Blue, white |
| Murky Lake | Bright orange, neon green | Black, navy, grey |
| Ocean (Foamy/Blue) | Fluorescent orange, red | White, pale colours |
Remember: Always match swimsuit colour with swimming environment to maximize safety.
Bonus Tips to Keep Swimmers Safe
In addition to choosing high-visibility swimsuits:
- Always supervise children near water— designate a “Water Watcher”
- Use life jackets in natural bodies of water
- Swim in lifeguarded areas
- Take swimming lessons to build confidence and control
- Use the buddy system — never swim alone
Swim Safety FAQs: What Parents and Swimmers Are Asking
What is the best swimsuit colour for visibility in the pool?
Neon yellow or bright green are the most visible colours in a pool environment, even in deep water.
What swimsuit colour is best for lake or ocean safety?
Fluorescent orange and neon green are top choices for open water swimming due to their high contrast in dark or murky conditions.
Are black or dark swimsuits unsafe?
While stylish, dark swimsuits like black or navy can make swimmers hard to spot, especially underwater or in shaded areas.
Is white a safe swimsuit colour?
No — white swimsuits tend to blend with sun glare, foam, and waves, making them a poor choice for water safety.
Shop Smart. Swim Safe.
The right swimsuit colour isn’t just a fashion choice — it’s a safety tool. Whether your family swims in pools, lakes, or oceans, choose high-contrast, neon colours that stand out and keep everyone protected.
Need help designing a safe pool space? Contact us for a free quote today or view our custom pool design services.