“Mermaiding” craze down underThere is a “Mermaiding” craze in Australia, which involves donning a mermaid tail purchased on the internet and swimming with it on.
However, “Mermaiding” has been criticised by Royal Life Saving WA, whose spokesperson warned that “Safety has to come first, the same as in every aquatic sport. A recent study found that mermaid tails could impede swimming ability by up to 70 per cent, and increase the risk of drowning as a result. Competent swimmers may use the monofin, but children under seven should not wear tails.”
Any of our readers who have been Mermaiding are invited to report their experiences. Ed.