Miguel Assal, emergency technician: "When we go to the beach, the color of our swimsuit is important."

With the arrival of summer and the rise in temperature, Spain's beaches and pools fill with people trying to cool off and avoid a bad time due to the heat. We're increasingly aware of how important it is for our health to pay attention to certain details , but we don't always know all the risks.

We know we need to drink water to avoid dehydration, and we also know it's a good idea to cover our heads with a cap or hat. Sunscreen is a must, and if we avoid the sun during peak hours, even better. Wearing sunglasses is also a good idea. However, you've probably never considered that the color of your swimsuit is much more than just a matter of aesthetics .

The importance of the color of the swimsuit we choose

It may seem like a rather frivolous topic, but the truth is that the color of the swimsuit we choose can be much more important for our safety than we think , as the broadcaster and expert technician in Emergencies and First Aid, Miguel Assal, wanted to emphasize on La Ventana , on Cadena SER.

“It's especially important in swimming pools . At the beach too, but especially in swimming pools,” he began by clarifying after being asked about the issue of color and swimsuits . “I did a very good experiment with a video. I took two swimsuits, put them in the pool, and when you move the pool water, the blue becomes completely invisible . However, red, fluorescent, pink, fluorescent green—all of those—even if you move the water, you'll still see the child.”

The color of a swimsuit can make a big difference, especially in tense moments when the child is out of sight . Being able to spot them at a glance, even if they're at the bottom of the pool, can save you a few crucial minutes, and can also help you calm down much more quickly if nothing has happened.

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Considering that blue is generally the color of choice in these spaces , choosing one that offers some contrast can help in the event of an accident, preventing further damage . To prevent risks, it's best to avoid dark or light blue swimsuits.

Reducing the risk of pool accidents

The key to reducing the risk of pool accidents is to comply with safety regulations, avoiding running in areas not designated for this purpose, such as at the poolside, where the risk is greatest. It is advisable not to jump into the pool irresponsibly , especially if you could harm other swimmers. You should also wear appropriate footwear in designated areas, avoiding walking barefoot unless absolutely necessary.

Little ones are the most at risk , precisely because it's harder to make them understand that they should not only have fun, but also do so carefully. That's why you should never lose sight of them or leave them unsupervised if they don't have basic swimming skills . Zero risk doesn't exist, but if things are done according to the rules, we can reduce the chances of accidents.

References

Guidelines for Keeping Your Pool Safe and Healthy . (n.d.). Healthy Swimming. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/safety/guidelines-for-keeping-your-pool-safe-and-healthy.html