The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Child’s Swimsuit
For many parents, a child’s swimsuit is just a fun summer outfit—but what if the color you pick could make your child nearly invisible in the water? A Florida mother is raising awareness after realizing that light blue swimwear,
a common choice for kids, can blend so seamlessly with pools and lakes that spotting a child in distress becomes alarmingly difficult. Could your child’s favorite bathing suit actually be a hidden safety risk?
Nearly Invisible in Plain Sight
This summer, Nikki Scarnati, a 32-year-old swim instructor from Spring Hill, Florida, is sounding the alarm on a little-known hazard in children’s swimwear.
In a viral TikTok, she shows her 2-year-old daughter, Claire, nearly disappearing while treading water in a backyard pool wearing a light blue swimsuit. “Even in sunlight, she almost vanishes,” Scarnati warns. “This is a calm pool, not a crowded lake or busy beach. Imagine the danger in a busier setting. Avoid blue swimsuits.”
Scarnati credits her mother for teaching her early on that kids need to stand out visually in aquatic environments. As she started teaching swimming lessons, she noticed that many parents were unaware of the risks posed by commonly sold blue swimsuits.
The Importance of Bright Colors
Water safety experts stress that vibrant, high-visibility colors can save lives. Adam Katchmarchi, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, explains, “Neon yellows, oranges, and pinks make children immediately noticeable. Even a split-second glance can be the difference between spotting a struggling child or missing them entirely.”
@scarnati.swim Just dont do it! Why think about which bathing suits for the splash pad? Just buy bright ones!! ☀️☀️ #selfrescue #selfrescueswimming #selfrescueswim #watersafety #drowningpreventionawareness #springhillisd ♬ original sound – Nikki Scarnati
Given that drowning remains the leading cause of death for children under four and the second leading cause for those aged five to twelve, Scarnati hopes her message spreads widely. Her TikTok, now seen over 6.5 million times, has already sparked conversations among parents and swimming instructors nationwide. “If this tip prevents even one tragedy, sharing it is worth it,” she says.
🔹 Conclusion
The choice of a child’s swimsuit is far more than a fashion decision—it’s a critical safety consideration. Selecting bright, high-contrast swimwear ensures kids remain visible to caregivers, reducing the risk of accidents in both pools and open water.
By combining thoughtful swimwear choices with vigilant supervision, parents and instructors can turn a simple summer outfit into a potentially life-saving precaution. Awareness, small changes, and proactive action can make all the difference when it comes to child water safety.