Page 41 - Q01-2021 Fins Magazine

Mermaid Tail ADULTS

Adults should realize that swimming in a mermaid
tail restricts leg movements and should approach

A mermaid tail will not help an adult swim better if
and Monofin Safety the sport appreciating that fundamental difference.
they are not already a proficient swimmer.

Part of the magic of mermaids is the reaction to
those that see one. Most everyone loves mermaids
and you do not need to swim in a mermaid tail to
be a mermaid. Mermaids wearing mermaid tails
can be land-based educators, help raise awareness
for environmental issues or simply enjoy modeling
and the positive reaction that comes with it.

Most of the experts we talked with concur on the following:

1) GET EDUCATED. Learn to swim in a tail. Take classes, join a merpod and/or do your research. Fins
Magazine will be sharing our interviews with industry experts, so follow us on YouTube.
by Jeff Weiner 2) DO NOT SWIM ALONE. Swim with someone focused on watching you. A lifeguard is preferred but

do not rely on them if at a public pool. You need someone that is focused to assist instantly if need be.
3) Do not scuba dive or free dive in deep waters without a safety diver.
4) Do not buy cheap tails. It may seem like a good idea, but it’s not. Saving money can cost you more than
you bargain for. Save up your money or connect with a local mermaid pod. Local pods are great places
for advice of this nature.
5) Do not take swim safety for granted. Just because you are a good swimmer, do not assume you can just
Safety in all water sports and with all water sport equipment is important. Mermaid tails are no different. throw on a mermaid tail and swim. There are certifications for being a mermaid, teaching mermaids
Acting without taking precautionary measures and being aware of risks can have very dire consequences. In and freediving. There are multiple organizations that offer these type of certification courses, like Scuba
researching this matter and discussing safety with numerous mermaids, free divers, scuba divers, and those Schools International (SSI) or Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
with certifications, several key issues emerge that are important to be aware of and are being dealt with directly
by pools and local governments internationally. Lets break down the mermaid safety to 2 distinct categories: Mermaids have been a fairly self-regulating community for many years. The market statistics show the rise in tail
Kids and Adults. sales and project continued growth over the next 5 years. With an increasing market for tails, particularly with
Disney’s announcement of the Live Action Little Mermaid, the probability is that more and more tail makers will
KIDS enter the market and more and more low cost, poor quality tails will be sold.

A mermaid tail does not make you swim faster or easier. Imagine swimming Optimally, the mermaid community will continue to work together with their support and educational
with your legs tied together. If a child or young adult is not a proficient swimmer opportunities, so tragic events can be prevented that cost lives and tarnish this incredible global community.
without a tail, the probability is that putting on a monofin and/or tail would
present a dangerous situation. The magic of mermaids, the tails, the costumes
and lore in conjunction with the low prices (on Amazon for example) can make
it easy to not recognize the risk and dangers.

All of the safety experts we talked with said the same thing.

1) If a child or young adult is not a proficient swimmer, do not put them into a mermaid tail until they are
READY to swim in a tail. It is strongly encouraged to consult with a professional mermaid or mermaid
school to help you.
2) No child should be left unattended swimming. While this seems to be obvious, there is a perception
that a mermaid tail is like a floaty or a noodle from a safety stand point. But it is not. Mermaid tails are
not toys. Those that are watching kids in the pool for safety need to be aware and alert, mermaid tails
do not float.
3) Mermaid swim time is separate from normal pool time. The experts we talked with suggested that
mermaid swimming be treated as a separate event from open swimming. As a separate event there is a
start time and end times that allows focused attention to safety.
4) Be aware of low-cost or poorly constructed mermaid fins. Mermaid tails require some kind of rigid
monofin for the tail. Some low cost versions use inexpensive materials that can painful to use, brittle
and break easily. Breaking or shattering a monofin while swimming is very dangerous.
40 Fins Magazine will continue to highlight safety, certification and local governmental polices regarding swimming 41
with mermaid tails actively. This is a first of a continuing and ongoing series focusing on these issues.