A woman has urged parents to exercise caution when dressing their little ones for the pool while on holiday, because the colour of their swimwear could prove catastrophic
Packing for a family holiday can be a little bit stressful. You have so many things to remember for your little ones, including SPF 50+, hats, and loose, comfortable clothing, that it can be easy not to consider the potential impact of the blue swimsuit you’ve just flung into the case. But one mum has urged parents not to allow their kids to wear blue when they’re in the pool, as it could prove fatal.
Heather, who posts on TikTok as @heather_motherhood, told parents not to put their children in “these types of swimming costumes – these types meaning blue”.
The mum has heard “so many scare stories of children wearing blue clothing” – and said it was “so dangerous when they’re in the water,” regardless of whether it’s the pool or the sea.
This is because the children are “blending to the colour of the water”. If they get into any difficulties and someone needs to save them, it will make it more tricky.
Until you’ve seen a child in a blue swimsuit in a pool, you won’t be able to grasp how invisible they are.
Heather admitted that once upon a time she was “unaware” this could put your child in danger – and she asked parents to “go and have a look at videos and pictures of children wearing blue under the water”.
She said: “You literally cannot see them and it’s so dangerous. Obviously, children, when they are not confident swimmers and you are on holiday, it is just terrifying.
“Take this as your sign to not buy any blue swimming costumes, and if you have, take them back, get your money back, and go and get something from a different place and get a different outfit”.
Heather said as an alternative, you can “keep your blue swimming costumes for when you’re in a paddling pool at home and it is literally paddling”.
Katchakid share that “if in doubt, wear a swimsuit to stand out,” and this is because blue swimsuits “camouflage” a child, which can be dangerous.
It can be harder for people to spot the child if the child “becomes distressed,” and “in emergencies, every second counts”.
If a child is wearing a blue swimsuit and is submerged, it may take extra time for rescuers to locate them, especially in deep pools or low visibility”.
So, what’s the solution for this? They recommend that “colour-contrasting swimwear” helps, and colours like “yellow, red, or orange” can be easily spotted by someone trying to rescue the child.
They also recommend “swimming aids like float vests or floaties” and swimming lessons prior to your holiday, so your child is more confident in the water.