I’m an knowledgeable and it’s best to NEVER let your baby put on blue swimwear

It’s the time of the year when school kids ditch books and exams for sandy beaches and picnics at the park. 

But while families are jumping for joy (or tearing up in misery) at the six-week summer holiday, GP Dr Helen Wall at Oaks Family Practice in Bolton has alerted parents to an oversight that could prove deadly.

Speaking to The Sun, the senior doctor revealed that the colour of your child’s swimwear could pose a safety risk when swimming or visiting beaches.

She said children should never be allowed to wear blue swimwear in the water in case of incidents such as accidental drowning.

She told the publication: ‘Never ever leave children unattended, and kit them out in bright swimwear – but not blue – so they can be seen under water’. 

GP Dr Helen Wall at Oaks Family Practice in Bolton, has alerted parents to the dangers of children wearing blue swimwear (Stock image)

Her theory explores the idea that in the case of imminent danger while in water, a child donning glaring colours such as yellow or red can easily be spotted and helped.  

The doctor also debunked the idea that a drowning child would scream for help and said they would likely slip quietly beneath the water’s surface; therefore stressing the need to keep a watchful eye on them at all times. 

For families planning to make a splash this summer, she advised parents to be extra vigilant as shallow amounts of water – even as little as two inches – could still pose a drowning risk.

She said the advice should be applied to even the smallest of inflatable devices kept at home or in the garden, such as paddling and swimming pools. 

The expert then explained that while adults are also susceptible to drowning, the risks are further heightened for children as their lungs are smaller. 

She concluded: ‘Parents must talk to their children about the dangers of open water. Even when it’s really hot, it’s a risk, even to good swimmers, as the water can be a lot colder than expected, leading to cold-water shock’.

Cold water shock is a term for the sudden and drastic measures the human body undergoes when submerged in extremely cold water. 

While, in theory, these instinctive and involuntary measures are designed to help keep us alive in freezing temperatures, they can if fact put us at risk of death.

The expert said children should don bright colours so they can easily be spotted and helped in an emergency (Pictured: ex-Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington is backing a campaign launched by On the Beach that is urging the government to stop retailers from selling blue, white and grey swimwear for children)

The first thing that happens after the body is suddenly exposed to cold water is a sudden gasp for breath as the body demands oxygen.

This is followed by hyperventilation, a rate of rapid breathing ten-times faster than normal.

The sudden change and demand for oxygen can lead to people increasing their risk of drowning as water can enter their lungs, particularly if they are suddenly submerged with their mouth and nose underwater.

It can also exacerbate feelings of panic, potentially leading to disorientation which can make drowning more likely.

Cold water shock can also occur in hot weather, such as during a heatwave.

The news comes as ex-Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington OBE is warning parents of the danger their children could be in at the pool – due to the colour of their swimwear.

The sports star is backing a campaign launched by On the Beach that is urging the government to stop retailers from selling blue, white and grey swimwear for children.

According to the campaign’s research, blue, white and grey swimwear is almost invisible at a swimming pool depth of two metres, increasing a child’s risk of not being spotted if they get into difficulties.

Two-thirds of children wear these dangerous colours instead of safer, bright alternatives, the campaign said, with 90 per cent of parents unaware of the risks.

Rebecca said: ‘I’ve swam my entire life and I’ve only recently become aware that there are certain colours that can’t be seen underwater. As a parent, I feel like I should have been aware of this sooner.

‘Alongside On the Beach, I’m urging the future government to review the legislation around selling blue, white and grey swimwear to children so that retailers are being safe and helping look after our children by not selling unseeable swimwear that could put them in danger’.

On the Beach’s Change.org campaign petition, calling on the government to review legislation around children’s swimwear, has gained more than 2,000 signatures.

The campaign has also received support from the Royal Life Saving Society, a drowning prevention charity. Matt Croxall, UK charity director, said: ‘We’re delighted that On the Beach is working hard to raise awareness of the importance of water safety.

‘We would urge parents to choose brightly coloured swimwear for their children while planning their holidays, rather than colours such as blue, white and grey, which are more difficult to see underwater’.