The Surprising Reason You Should Buy Kids Swimsuits In These Specific Colors

“Visibility is important in drowning recognition,” Livingston told us.“Many parents were selecting swimwear that was super cute and fashionable but would cause their children to potentially disappear under the water.” 

In 2020, Livingston and Alive Solutions conducted an informal study testing the visibility of different colored swimsuits in light-bottomed pools, dark-bottomed pools, and lakes. The company determined that neon pink and neon orange offer the most visibility in light-bottomed pools, while neon orange, neon green, and neon yellow stood out the most in dark-bottomed pools and lakes (neon pink did not perform as well in this area).

They said that blues, whites, and lighter colors offer the least contrast and are, therefore, significantly less safe. 

It’s important to note that these “safe” swimsuit colors will be rendered meaningless without additional precautions in place.

For the strongest water safety, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a multi-layer approach. In addition to having your kid wear a visible suit, you want to know the signs of drowning, ensure fencing around residential pools, get kids in swim lessons and ensure little ones are always in arm’s reach of an adult. (Or they should be in a life jacket, according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.)

Other water safety experts recommend having adults rotate in 15-minute shifts of designated water-watching when hanging at the pool, lake or beach. 

A bright color doesn't have to be a solid. This set of quick dry boy shorts comes in a ton of fun patterns, including many with a neon background. They have a soft inner mesh lining.

Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in boys sizes 2–12 and 43 other styles).

This short-sleeve rash guard is an Amazon bestseller and fits like a comfortable T-shirt. It promises UPF 50+ sun protection and is machine-washable. 

Get it from Amazon for $19.24+ (available in boys sizes 2T–16 and 34 other styles).

If your kiddo is sensitive to mesh or like more compressive fabrics, gran this set of boy's swimming trunks with a stretchy performance liner.

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in boys sizes 4–20 and 25 other styles).

This long sleeve swim shirt comes in a selection of neon colors like this yellow as well as green, orange and pink for your older or bigger kids. It's made with a with lightweight and breathable fabric that's designed to comfortable when wet or dry.

Get it from Amazon for $14.59 (available in kids sizes 4T–16 years and 15 other colors).

How cute is this rash guard and swim trunk set with lizard spikes on the side? It's made with UPF 50+ which blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. 

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in boys sizes 3 months–6 years and five other styles).

This color block one-piece comes in a selection of neon tones in girls' sizes.

Get it from Amazon for $17.09+ (available in girls sizes 12 months–7 years and 29 styles).

Grab a rash guard and a pair of trunks with this fun patterned set. The trunks have that compression stretchy liner that can be more comfy than mesh.

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in boys sizes 2T–16 and 12 styles).

Get your little one a whole outfit with this girl's three-piece set including a neon bikini and a quick-drying coverup. Check the size chart for a proper fit. 

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in girls sizes 5 years–12 years and 23 other styles).

This trendy Reebok set gives your little one the convenience of a two-piece while still offering more coverage. It's made with quick-dry fabric that offers UPF 50+ sun protection.

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in girls sizes 4–12 years and four colors).

Another tankini option, this option comes in a couple different neon options with a lined front and back. It offers UPF 50+ protection and comes in girls' sizes 2T through 14. 

Get it from Amazon for $13.10+ (available in girls sizes 2T–14 and 34 styles).

With a full zipper, this neon rash guard is easy to take off when it's wet and easy to wrangle your little one into at the beach.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in kids sizes 0 months–14 and 28 styles).