A swim instructor’s TikTok has parents rethinking their kids’ swimwear choices—and for a good reason. Nikki Scarnati, a certified infant swimming instructor from Tennessee, recently posted a viral video explaining why blue bathing suits are a hidden hazard for children in the pool.
Using her own daughter as an example, Scarnati shared a clip where the little girl was dressed in a blue swimsuit. As the child bobbed in and out of the water, it became alarmingly clear how easily she blended into the pool’s blue depths. “You can barely see her,” Scarnati explained. “This is calm water—imagine trying to spot her with other kids splashing around.”
@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
Her advice? Skip the blues and pastels. Instead, opt for bright, neon colors that make children easy to spot. “Do not buy blue bathing suits, guys. Buy bright ones instead,” she urged parents.
The video, which has racked up nearly five million views, sparked a flood of reactions in the comments. Parents thanked Scarnati for the life-saving tip. “Wow, I never would’ve thought of this,” one user admitted. Another, a former lifeguard, confirmed, “Any shade of blue or pastel is hard to see. Neon is the way to go!”
Some even vowed to change their habits. “My kids will wear neon everything from now on,” wrote one mom, while another said, “I’m not even a parent yet, but I’m saving this for when I am.”
This isn’t just a TikTok trend; the data backs it up. According to the CDC, drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children aged zero to 17 and the leading cause for those aged one to four. Most drowning incidents happen in bathtubs for infants, in pools for younger kids, and in natural water bodies for teens.
As summer approaches, Scarnati’s warning is a simple yet vital reminder: visibility can save lives. So next time you shop for swimwear, make sure those bright colors aren’t just cute—they’re lifesaving.
Stay safe out there, and share this tip with your friends. It could make all the difference!
