29/04/2018
https://www.facebook.com/Mermaidsuk/photos/a.551094138362666.1073741829.545802922225121/1035528699919205/?type=3
Merman Blaze and Mermaid Bella would like to share some important things you need to know about Mermaid (or merman) Swimming
*Swimming in a tail is not recommended in public pools or public swims. Whilst the user may be very competent, it’s the ‘little kid’ looking over in wonderment of the Mermaid swimming that gets a little too close and could get hit with the tail...that’s the danger.
*Mermaid Swimming is not recommended for children under six years of age. It takes a lot of strength to swim in a tail as you are adding weight and extending the levers, therefore wait until they are just that little bit older.
*Before becoming a mermaid make sure you are ready. Can you swim 25m well? Can you fly kick for at least 5m? Can you tread water and do a whole turn with your legs off the bottom? Potential mermaids should practice with just the monofin and the tail separately before wearing both together. Make sure you can float, scull, rotate, move and most importantly stand and get out of the tail quickly and safely.
*Mermaids should always swim with supervision. Make sure that person is able to rescue you IF you get in to trouble. It’s no different to just swimming, you should never swim alone. There are risks of cramp and tiredness.
*Do not try to hold your breath for any length of time. This should only be practiced by professional or trained free divers. Shallow water blackout is a real thing!
*Make sure you are using a good quality monofin. Those with two separate feet holds and separate straps are the best. In these the feet are slightly apart creating a safe stable stance with a good neutral alignment thus not putting strain on the users spine or neck. Monofins that have neoprene covers can weaken with the chlorine so be sure to check these are in good condition.
*Do not use any other equipment with the monofin or the full mermaid tail. No armbands. No noodles/woggles. No back packs. No shark fins. Using this with a tail is like hitting concrete and the Mermaid needs undulation. If the user needs any of this, they are not ready to be a Mermaid.
*Do not give in! Yes your little one wants to be a mermaid but if they are not old enough or a strong enough swimmer, make them wait. Encourage more swimming lessons so they become a better swimmer. After all, learning to swim should be the most important thing, it’s a life skill!
*Finally, be safe and have fun. Remember guidance and rules are there to protect you. Join a class to get the best from your Mermaid tail. You wouldn’t tie your legs together and jump off a bridge without the correct equipment or a qualified trained person supervising and telling you what to do. So don’t swim in a tail unless you are supervised and have the correct safe equipment.
