BRIGHT COLOURS SAVE LIVES: THE IMPORTANCE OF VISIBILITY IN WATER SAFETY

Water safety is at the heart of everything we design here at Itoko. Recent data from the World Health Organisation revealed that over 300,000 people lost their lives to drowning in 2021, with young children between 1-4 years old at the highest risk. While critical measures like supervision, teaching water skills, and safety lessons are essential to preventing these tragedies, visibility also plays a big role. One of the simplest ways to enhance safety is through the colours we wear.

WHY COLOUR MATTERS IN WATER

It’s easy to overlook, but some colours are nearly impossible to spot under water. Blues, greys, and whites tend to blend right in, especially in busy or naturally darker waters like lakes, oceans, and pools. In fact, the same blue shade we often see in swimwear almost disappears in water due to how light scatters and is absorbed. Bright, contrasting colours, on the other hand, are far more visible both in and out of the water.

HOW ITOKO DESIGNS FOR VISIBILITY

At Itoko, we prioritise bright colours and solid, pattern-free cuffs for our swimsuits to help with visibility. These high-contrast designs stand out against varying water backgrounds, helping you keep an eye on your little adventurers as they explore. Even on the beach or by a crowded pool, bright colours are easier to spot from a distance, giving parents a little extra peace of mind.

We incorporate contrasting colour combinations as well, knowing that even if one colour blends slightly in a specific water condition, the contrast on an arm or leg cuff might stand out more.

A NOTE ON WATER SAFETY 

While brightly coloured swimsuits can certainly help with visibility, they’re only one piece of the water safety puzzle. There’s no substitute for active supervision—staying within arm’s reach of children at all times is essential. Our goal at Itoko is to support safety, but we always recommend that visibility-enhancing swimwear complements, rather than replaces, vigilant supervision and safety practices.

With Itoko’s focus on vibrant colours and thoughtful design, we’re committed to making beach days both fun and safe. Enjoy your time in the sun knowing that we’ve crafted swimsuits designed to help make your little ones a bit easier to keep an eye on. Because every splash should be a safe one!