Youngsters push for mermaid tails in public pools
Two 11-year-olds are campaigning to get mermaid tails back into Auckland public pools.
Sophia Neeson and Yasmin Bicer presented their dream of starting Mermaid Tails, a mermaid swimming school, at the Henderson-Massey Local Board on October 17
The girls wanted mermaid graduates to be allowed to use their sparkle tails in Auckland public pools.
Mermaid swimming suits encase the legs and include a fish tail.
It allows wearers to swim like a mermaid by strapping their legs together into a tail.
The tails were banned from Auckland public pools by Auckland Council due to safety fears.
However, the HendersonMassey Local Board agreed to investigate the girls’ request.
‘‘It is every kids’ dream to someday be a mermaid and Mermaid Tails will help make those dreams come true,’’ Sophie said.
The safety of the popular gift forced countries like Australia and the United Kingdom to ban its use in public pools.
Auckland Council banned mermaid tails in 2016 because it was unsafe for use in public pools and proved a distraction to lifeguards.
Council leisure manager Rob McGee said the tails were designed for competent swimmers and even manufacturers recommend one-to-one supervision which couldn’t be given in public pools.
Sophie said mermaid tails were a fun way to combine swimming and playing.
‘‘They are a safe way to have fun swimming if you know how to use them.
‘‘It will help exercise their imagination – playing games and swimming is the perfect combination so why not start a mermaid school?’’
Yasmin said Mermaid Tails would teach wearers to use it safely.
They would graduate and attain a mermaid card.
‘‘Each card will have a photo and a special unique number,’’ she said.
‘‘Hopefully they can swim at public pools and show lifeguards their cards indicating that they are qualified to swim with the mermaid tails safely.’’
The girls said Auckland had the opportunity to be the first region to offer mermaid swimming classes and allow mermaid tails to be used safely in public schools.
‘‘It is every kids' dream to someday be a mermaid ... ’’