A mermaid safety checklist

Print this page, or save it to your phone. Each line links to the guide that explains the reason behind it. If you cannot tick a line, sort it out before you get in.

Planning a swim

• I am swimming in a pool, not the sea, unless I am trained for open water. (Pool or open water?)
• Someone will be there whose only job is watching me. A lifeguard watching the whole pool does not count. (Never alone)
• I can swim and float well enough for the depth I will use. (How well do I need to swim?)
• If I am learning, my instructor is certified and watches every breath-hold. (Choosing a school)
• The pool allows tails, and I know its depth and where the exits are.
• For an outdoor pool, I have checked the weather and lightning forecast. (Pool or open water?)

Health, on the day

• I am feeling well: no cold, blocked nose, sinus trouble or ear infection. (Health checks)
• I have had no alcohol, and I am not very tired.
• My instructor or watcher knows about any health condition, injury or medication. (Health checks)
• I have not had a heavy meal just before. (Your first class)

Tail and gear

• I can take my tail off myself, quickly, without help. (Tails and monofins)
• The foot pockets fit: not painful, not loose.
• No tears in the skin, and no cracks or stress marks in the fin. (Tails and monofins)
• Nothing on my tail or costume is shedding glitter, sequins or scales. (Respecting the water)

With my watcher, before I go under

• We have agreed our signals: OK, not OK, and coming up. (Never alone)
• My watcher is close enough to reach me.
• My watcher knows to keep watching for at least 30 seconds after I surface. (Never alone)
• We know who calls 995, and how we would get someone out of the water.

Breath-holding

• I breathe normally before every breath-hold. No over-breathing, power breaths or "big breaths". (Shallow-water blackout)
• I come up when I feel the urge to breathe, and do not push past it.
• One length, one breath: I surface and breathe between underwater lengths.
• No breath-holding games or contests, with friends or against myself.
• I keep breath-holds shorter after hard swimming. (Shallow-water blackout)
• For a breath-hold practice between two trained buddies: one up, one down. (Never alone)

In the water

• I equalise early and often on the way down, and stop if my ears hurt. (Equalising your ears)
• No somersaults or other disorienting moves outside a lesson. Royal Life Saving Society Australia advises against them for recreational tail use. (Never alone)
• No long-distance swims in a tail.
• I get out when I am tired or cold.
• I get out at the first thunder, and wait at least 30 minutes after the storm. (Pool or open water?)

Open water, only after training

• I have trained for open water with an instructor who teaches it. (Pool or open water?)
• The site is calm, clear, sheltered and away from boats, with an easy way in and out.
• We have a surface float or flag.
• I have checked NEA's beach advisory, and it has not just rained heavily.
• I have checked for jellyfish notices, covered up, and brought plain vinegar.
• We have agreed a plan for currents, lost sight, and emergencies.

Photoshoots

• One person watches only the model: not holding lights, not shooting. (Underwater photoshoot safety)
• Signals agreed in a briefing: OK, not OK, up, one more, finished.
• Every costume tested in shallow water, and quick to get out of.
• Any weight is minimal, agreed with the watcher, and drops off in a second. (Underwater photoshoot safety)
• Short takes, full rest between them, and a count of how many.
• Nobody swims above the model or blocks the way up.
• The model decides when to come up, and the watcher can stop the shoot.

Events

• The performer is trained and certified, and brings a dedicated watcher. (A mermaid at your event)
• The venue has confirmed a performer in a tail fits its rules, in writing.
• Clear water, known depth, easy exits, secure drain covers, no glass near the edge.
• Set lengths and breaks agreed, with shade, water and a changing space.
• Guests stay out of the pool during the performance, and children at the edge have an adult beside them.
• A weather plan and an emergency plan, shared with everyone involved.

For parents

• An adult is within arm's reach, watching with full attention, no phone. (Guide for parents)
• My child can float front and back, turn upright, and take the tail off alone.
• The tail is used in a pool only, never the sea, unless trained for it.
• No breath-holding games. (Guide for parents)
• An adult, not an older child, is in charge of watching.

Afterwards

• Rinse the tail and fin in fresh water, foot pockets included. (Tails and monofins)
• Dry them completely, in the shade.
• Store the fin flat, somewhere cool and dry where nobody will step on it.
• Note anything that went wrong or felt off, and tell your instructor or watcher.