The Life-Saving Power of Bathing Suit Colors - Water Safety for Infants and Small Children

smccue — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:02:56 +0000

smccue Tue, 07/16/2024 - 11:02

As summer is well on its way, families are gearing up for days filled with sun, fun, and plenty of time in the water. Whether it's at the pool, the beach, or a nearby lake, water activities are a staple of summer fun. But for parents of infants and small children, water safety is always a top priority. One simple yet effective way to boost your child's safety in the water is by choosing the right color for their bathing suit. Let's dive into why this seemingly small detail can make a big difference.

The Essentials of Water Safety

Never Take Your Eyes Off Them: First and foremost, nothing beats the power of constant supervision. Children can get into trouble in the water in the blink of an eye, so it's crucial to keep a close watch at all times. Drowning can happen silently and quickly, so being within arm's reach is always a good rule of thumb.
Early Swim Lessons: Getting your little ones into swimming lessons early can be a game-changer. Babies as young as six months can start learning basic water skills that might one day save their lives. Plus, swim classes teach kids to respect the water and understand its risks.
Gear Up: Safety equipment is a must. Life jackets are essential for open water or boat trips. However, remember that floatation devices are no substitute for your watchful eye.

Why Bathing Suit Colors Matter

Easy to Spot: Bright, contrasting colors can make a world of difference when it comes to spotting your child in the water. Neon shades like vibrant yellow, electric green, and bold pink are much easier to see, especially in dim lighting or murky water.
What the Research Says: Studies have shown that some colors stand out more than others in the water. Colors like blue, black, and green can blend in, making a submerged child hard to see. On the flip side, neon colors are highly visible. Researchers have tested various colors in pools and lakes, finding that neon shades were consistently the easiest to spot from a distance and below the surface.

Choosing the Best Colors

Skip the Dark Tones: Dark bathing suits can blend into the water, making your child less visible.
Go Bright and Bold: Neon yellow, bright orange, lime green, and hot pink are top picks for high visibility.
Think Patterns: If your child loves patterns, make sure they include bright and contrasting colors.
Reflective Touches: Some swimsuits feature reflective materials that can help in low-light situations.

Ensuring your child's safety around water involves a mix of vigilant supervision, swimming lessons, and the right safety gear. But don't underestimate the impact of choosing a brightly colored bathing suit. This simple step can significantly enhance your child's visibility and safety, allowing for a quicker response in an emergency.

So, as you gear up for summer fun, remember that the right bathing suit color can be a small but mighty tool in your water safety arsenal. Keep these tips in mind, stay vigilant, and enjoy a safe and sunny season with your little ones!

With these insights, you're well-equipped to keep your child safe while making the most of your water-filled adventures. Happy swimming!

Halloween Safety!

lba-admin — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 13:42:47 +0000

Halloween Safety!

lba-admin Thu, 10/25/2018 - 09:42

Halloween is often a young child's favorite fall celebration and it has all of the ingredients to build special family memories. Here are some helpful hints that will hopefully make your Halloween safer, less stressful and more enjoyable for your family:

When picking out a costume:

Keep the weather in mind. Dress in easy to remove layers under costumes so that little ones are not cold. Also, it never hurts to bring along an umbrella!
Bulky costumes can be difficult for children to walk in. One good fall can spoil the Halloween party at school or Halloween night!
Make sure costumes are light and made of a material that allows children's skin to breathe so that they are not sweaty and cold.
Check masks. Clean them before your child wears them. Lots of children could have tried on the same mask! Check to make sure that your child can breathe easily and see properly. Even if the mask has air holes, it does not mean holes are large enough or in the correct locations for them to see clearly and get enough air.
Test make-up for skin allergies. If you are considering a costume that requires face or body painting, remember to test it on a small portion of your child's hand to check for allergies. When Trick-or-Treating:
Younger children should always go up to the door with an adult. Not everyone understands that young children can scare easily and it can spoil the night. Having an adult nearby is comforting.
Only visit houses that have the lights on. If a house is dark, it's a sure sign that they do not want to be bothered.
Have children wear reflectors, give your child their own flashlight or have them wear a glow necklace. You should always have your own flashlight for areas that are not well lit or for emergency situations.
Stay on sidewalks and only walk across streets at crosswalk locations, if possible.
Never let children eat treats until packages are checked by an adult! Discuss this rule in advance. For very young children, dump the candy into a large bag that you carry and leave them with a couple of items to keep them happy.

While Halloween is fun and brings neighborhoods together, it is important to tell your children that the night will be fun if everyone abides by the rules and stays safe! Remind them that it is never alright to talk or take candy from a stranger when you are not there and that it is NEVER permissible to travel with a stranger. Make sure to tell your child that what you are explaining is for safety reasons and not to frighten him or her. We hope that these tips help make Halloween more safe and enjoyable for your little princess or superhero, and that they help to build happy memories that last a lifetime.

Happy Halloween!