MerTail safety in Australian media and local pool ban!

[TheMermanDan]

A bad day to be a Merman at Brunswick Baths!
So it was a sunny weekend here in Melbourne and what better way to spend the day than down at the local pool. My local pool is Brunswick Baths and it has been a regular escape for a few years now. For the past four visits I have been taking along my FinFun Mermaid tail and have been swimming happily, safely and without issue. until today that is.
About 30min into my swim on Sunday the 20th of December I was called to the pool side by one of the pools lifeguards who informed me that I was not allowed to swim with my tail in due to a new ban put in place by the manager of Brunswick Baths.
I have been swimming in my tail for the past few weeks at Brunswick Baths, including the Saturday prior (19th December) and at no point was this mentioned to me. There are no signs regarding this new rule. When I asked the guard about this ban he said it was due to the fact that "young kids have been buying the tails and drowning." Now I did polity point out that I am no child and even the guard acknowledged that I was a very competent and confident swimmer in my tail. He went on to say that by me swimming in the tail young children are then buying the tails when they are not good swimmers and it is causing a major drowning risk. I did point out that It is not children buying these tails. It is the parents and it is also the parents role to assess if this is in fact an ideal swimming tool for their child's swimming ability.
So I am being told I cannot swim in my tail due to the fact that parents are ignoring the multiple warnings and recommendations regarding swimming skills and leaving kids to just put on a tail and swim? After then speaking with the two duty managers (who knew nothing about this ban.) it came out that the head manager had put a message up on the staff facebook group saying they are band. Any time a parent or child has asked me about my tail I have clearly stated that you need to be a strong and confident swimmer to use one and that it takes a fair bit of practice to use one.
I am well, aware that there is a video of a young girl in America who got caught with her head underwater as she could not swim properly in the tail and there has also been an article in the Herald Sun with a bit of a beat up about Mermaid tails being a dangerous Christmas present for kids. I can only assume that this has been part of what has influenced this "Tail ban" at Brunswick Baths. There have been no reported drownings with Mermaid Tails here in Australia.
"Choice, Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Jane Garrett and NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe have joined forces to remind parents to check age and safety advice."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/…/cd2cf11c353418a7e7e83bcc42394… (http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fnews%2 Fvictoria%2Fpopular-christmas-gift-mermaid-tails-prompting-toddler-drowning-warnings%2Fnews-story%2Fcd2cf11c353418a7e7e83bcc423946a9&h=IAQGf3ErAAQHN7P5RLxkABZUNfp-2MWb3oE2IC1AOX0VSDQ&enc=AZMmbOj5VtTclRWOJ6PvchdUf9A_Jz4mBhVVQoeVc8B3uk 58w-mUe-PkTLj_0QLqNq3feNPdVyzNHp5ZAxVSZ2twNxxp8G1kTHeiBL9q lFdxsmzDEnx3dnfj5LWPc9rmlhMaptxYXcMwCGCGOOtH00755Q w2lLGzKrooYQcGlJYOCL67U4AVQakvxgik3fc4mA0&s=1)
I have a FinFun Mermaid (Merman) tail and FinFun have got multiple warnings and recommendations all over their web page, youtube and very clearly on the product packaging. The FinFun Tails have extra safety benefits of easy mono-fin removal, opening at the bottom of the tail and a "No Strap" mono-fin. I have seen other tails that may not have all the same features, but they do have clearly labeled safety warnings. Even Floaties can be dangerous if not used properly and still recommend adult supervision at all times.
http://www.finfunmermaid.com/mermaid-tail-safety/ (http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finfunmermaid.com%2Fmerma id-tail-safety%2F&h=eAQGIUO6WAQHDYLf3LUW9eZDP2qRk9DRA2DBDfJ4tJTaOXQ&enc=AZMXkTnuDvTViciUdEmq2MxL6vlhiwS-KbubrklmAcW_qDy6hCk08UdSjPfn0KmJoSQ8jZd3EEPe5y4uMn 1iUroNwoAWY9z2UttSUDb7ROyuJVzQMvjxzQLiom5h1tnAIdsq 03O8fI16Eozs-o-TozSMG-wqmMNuFRt3AICKeMfX3uogOPAsVSWSfHHQ4Eg8t6w&s=1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch… (https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fli st%3DPL2k9Z2hx_bTiV-fJCNIUNfQwweIr1T4BI%26v%3Ddxhk6wedVJU&h=BAQHwK69UAQH-PMY7DVkF0sV53ZolBYp8wyujQON4sF4ZUQ&enc=AZM_7dAdH5T5_4Yw27S2cdggHCInkDExd7LYqc86G8W2Xo ocqs405Kg3YtG2HJ8bY8CCFcR70s_PhF0UaV2sL0Ivn7U0O2Xn 8k7P6---ZZ2fccignkCrlb56pxNbPWYmWE3vJlcQqFR5t0dyAZNsAQSHYa d7GFGjd3XIMmBAvdb-Cq6Q__1YTUzWcO5IxeLyQ5I&s=1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch… (https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv% 3Dk-KQwKQ4jE0%26index%3D2%26list%3DPL2k9Z2hx_bTiV-fJCNIUNfQwweIr1T4BI&h=PAQFhKioWAQHcPcqcMym7gRl2p-eBo0NlNkpTqzArbAmnww&enc=AZO7-byj3UIGSBsSvvuRpi3EHRDgabY3SXNqNxbG8PliaRmStCD0-lPRJVFfxdiuJQVL9aOcOdECkK8XexqybLIGgKpyw95ZTk9F9oC Dud5E6b7lQPjnYgVJetJRu08bxtkUtY9j-30dFrsTZBj4L_qzEuRgIWmFP_usFznqcN8x-fLuuMf2yRRwRLnOq-pyOMA&s=1)
In some public pools in Canada they require tail wearers to pass a basic swim skill assessment (breath hold, swimming distance unassisted and treading water) before being able to use a mermaid tail in the pool. Even then some pools have age restrictions full stop. There are Professional Mermaids/Mermen all over the world who wear tails at kids parties and events where they share pool safety advice and ocean conservation messages.
With the trend of Mermaid tails growing I can only hope Brunswick Baths chose to take on a better thought out policy on the wearing of the tails and who knows, they may even bring in Mermaid training classes for advanced swimming lessons.


I really do love swimming at Brunswick Baths and up until now I have shared nothing but praise for the facility and its staff.


After speaking with both duty managers they could see no reason why I should not be allowed to swim in my FinFun tail. Lets hope commonsense prevails and that this does not need to become an issue with a much louder voice. I am waiting to her back from the head manager to find out what the future holds for my Merman Adventures at Brunswick Baths.
https://www.facebook.com/Brunswickbaths/?fref=ts


Please head to my Facebook page to LIKE and SHARE my post to help get some proper attention on this topic rather than disproportionate reactionary responses to ill researched media reports. https://www.facebook.com/daniel.hayward.184881/posts/10156283870585573

Anyone else had issues like this in Australia or elsewhere?

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Its not the mermaid fin that's dangerous. Its the skill of the user that must come into account when using such devices.

I tell everyone that asks me, if its hard to swim in a tail, I practiced with a monofin for a year before I started wearing tails. It takes a lot of practice, stamina and basic swimming skills like being able to flip over on your back if you get tired, instead of that panicky water treading I see some mers do.

[-Annwyn-]

That's such bullshit!
I also fear more and more pools are coming to this conclusion. I've not had my tail banned myself, but I figure it's only a matter of time.
This is why I'm opting now to only swim in private pools or in the bay.

I'm totally on your side Dan.

[Fifi Tigg]

Grrrrrr this makes me so mad!
Just because of one mother with no common sense, we all have to now suffer!
I have been happily swimming in a pod at our local pool all winter, but now it's summer we haven't needed to use the pools. I hope that when the cold weather rolls around again that we will still be allowed!
Just so pissed with the media for trying to make a story with this one old video!!

[Mer-Crazy]

It is, indeed, a dark day for Aussie Mers.

The local pools know me as a mermaid, and they've all been pretty cool about it, unfortunately they're all council owned pools, so I am in high risk of having my tail banned should they catch wind of this and get scared. With my new tail due next year I'm worried I'm not going to have a winter place to swim. There is one that's actually closest to me, but it's like $7 to swim because it's a gym's pool but maybe they won't be affected by the council since it's privately owned... fins crossed.

[-Annwyn-]

It is, indeed, a dark day for Aussie Mers.

The local pools know me as a mermaid, and they've all been pretty cool about it, unfortunately they're all council owned pools, so I am in high risk of having my tail banned should they catch wind of this and get scared. With my new tail due next year I'm worried I'm not going to have a winter place to swim. There is one that's actually closest to me, but it's like $7 to swim because it's a gym's pool but maybe they won't be affected by the council since it's privately owned... fins crossed.


Let us know how that goes!

[-Annwyn-]

Dan, suggest also going contacting Moreland City Council and speaking to the Mayor.
http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/about-us/your-council/mayor-and-councillors/south-ward-councillors/cr-samantha-ratnam-south-ward/

[TheMermanDan]

Dan, suggest also going contacting Moreland City Council and speaking to the Mayor.
http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/about-us/your-council/mayor-and-councillors/south-ward-councillors/cr-samantha-ratnam-south-ward/

I have sent an email directly to the pool awaiting a response and if I am not satisfied with that outcome then I will follow your advice and bring it up with the local Mayor. Thank you. x

[Luna Dreamtide]

So it's started?! I got so frustrated by seeing that video go around as evidence....
As a swimming teacher the only thing that video should be used for is an example of why kids should have swimming lessons and displaying a stupid decision on the part of the parent.
There were obvious signs that the child wasn't a strong swimmer before she was told to do a flip anyway. I mean she held her nose to go underwater!
I've friends sharing this to my friend and I because they know we're mermaids.

[TheMermanDan]

Thank you all for your support. Please do go to my facebook page to like and share my post. I am relying on the power of social media to support my argument.

https://www.facebook.com/daniel.hayward.184881/posts/10156283870585573

I really hope that this blows over without issue otherwise it's back to my shell pool in the back yard.

[AniaR]

Believe me, I have gone CRAZY leaving posts all over every single news post. It blows my mind it took like 8 months for them to see this old video lol. and it's not even from Australia.

here's my post:


Hello to Australia from Canada! You're a little behind on the times, as this video is a bit old and has already been addressed and debunked quite a few times! I personally reached out to the mother and she did a follow up video stating her daughter didn't know how to swim, nor had she ever worn a mermaid tail before. As a leading expert in the field in Canada, with a background in Child development, and a background in Elementary education, I'd like to shed some light and a few facts!

First of all, as Australians you should know that mermaid swimming has existed for over 100 years- starting with your very own Annette Kellerman. (a personal feminist hero of mine!) In all of the time monofins have been around, not a single person has ever drowned! Same with mermaid tails. Now, does that mean they aren't without risks? Of course not. But there are a few remedies for that risk as followed:

Like any sport, care must be given to proper safety procedures. You wouldn't put sharp blades on your child's feet and send them out on a frozen lake without a little consideration right? Monofin swimming is the same way! ALL monofins are equipped with either emergency release buttons (such as this tail) or emergency release protocol. That information is not only printed on the box, but also on the fins themselves (and of course the product websites). It's important that children demonstrate an ability to use the emergency release buttons.

Obviously a child should be a capable swimmer, and never left unsupervised. While this mom made a bad call by telling her inexperienced child to "do a flip" (even without a mermaid tail, how many of us can do a flip without getting stuck?) she thankfully was right there in the water with her child. That's the key here! Responsible parenting.

So why bother with mermaid tails? Well, many long-term peer reviewed studies suggest that girls are lacking in societal support when it comes to physical fitness. With many blockages such as body image, young girls are not being encouraged in the same way boys are, and as we all know... childhood obesity rates are climbing. Monofin swimming/mermaid swimming is something young girls are flocking to, and that interested should be encouraged, monitored for safety, and celebrated. Monofin swimming can burn up to 500 calories an hour, and promotes imagination.

Similarly, long term studies suggest that the value of "playing pretend" (such as pretending to be a mermaid) sets children up for later life success in both school and employment. Nurturing their imagination puts children on the path to success.

Here in Canada I run a Girl's Empowerment workshop utilizing mermaid tails. It's a mermazing experience. Young girls are encouraged toward safer swimming and physical fitness, along with nurturing their imagination.

So yes, like most childhood activities- like riding a bike, playing hockey, being on a sports team, climbing monkey bars... mermaid swimming does have inherent risk. But that doesn't mean it can't be a valuable tool for children everywhere, when done appropriately. Remember when snow boarding came on the scene and used to be banned from ski hills- and now has a place in the Olympics? Funny enough, American olympian Michael Phelps once swam in a merman tail for disney wink emoticon

I leave you with a news segment in which I addressed the issues locally. I invite you to contact me if you'd like further information! In addition to running a trail blazing award winning company in Canada, I am also a twice published author, and an educator. I make an amazing living as a professional mermaid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIdP2gvio8E (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv% 3DWIdP2gvio8E&h=jAQHcaP-9)

[AniaR]

I'll be honest it happened here in Canada and pools did ban them. My company is one of the only companies in Canada allowed to be mermaids in pools and host mermaids and it's because of our reputation, and our insurance.

[Mer-Crazy]

Apparently Renee in Sydney was actually getting hate mail about all this! I mean are you freaking kidding me? If you don't want your kid to swim in a fin or tail fine but don't hate on capable adults who do it for a job.

Everyone's biggest argument in this case against us is 'it's a drowning risk' and I can only assume the hate stems from people being afraid that adults doing it for a job will encourage children to pursue the hobby. Well you know what has actually killed people? Surfing. (Sorry Raina it's just a better analogy for Australia than hockey) and you don't see Kelly Slater getting hate mail do you? The only bloody difference here is that mermaiding isn't fully main stream yet. People still see it as weird or new. So yeah. Stuff you haters.

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

I hope it doesn't become a reality at the pool I swim at...

Though I'm pretty sure the lifeguard boss and his red shirt cronies have been watching me swim, ever since I "moved in."

They've seen me floundering and thrashing in the shallow end a ton of times, before I moved into the deep end!

[TheMermanDan]

Just an update on the incident. Here is the email I received from the pool today:

Hi Daniel,

Apologies for any inconvenience or frustration over the weekend in relation to this matter.

I am the relevant manager who looks after the Lifeguards, Duty Managers and Health and Safety for this site- (but I am not the Centre Manager).

I’d just like to acknowledge that we have received this complaint and that we are taking it seriously. I’d also like to thank you for bringing up the matter with us. I have referred the matter on to the Centre Manager who has referred it to our Area Manager who will discuss with the Aquatic Risk Team at YMCA state office who look after health and safety across all of the facilities that we manage.

Once they have made a call on the use of these flippers and any potential procedures that we need to put in place I will get back to you straight away.

Please know that in no way are we seeking to curb your enjoyment of the pool in any way, and that all we are seeking to do is ensure that we are compliant with relevant health and safety best practices and encourage the best-possible aquatic behaviours from our patrons and staff.

I will get back to you as soon as I have heard back from those above and I appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Regards,
RJ Houston
Operations Coordinator | YMCA Victoria

[-Annwyn-]

Flippers my arse.

They're called "Swimming Aides."

This was the response I got from Brunswick Baths:

" Hi Annwyn,

Thank you for your commentary in relation to this matter.

We apologise for any frustration and/or confusion in relation to this.

We are doing a full review as to the use of Mermaid fins in our facilities and will get back to you as soon as the findings from this review are confirmed.

As always, we want all of our users to experience the full enjoyment of the facility in a safe manner. Again, as always, if the lifeguard staff feel a particular piece of equipment or behaviour poses a safety risk to any patron, it is their call to halt the use of that equipment or behaviour as the liability is ultimately on them, not parents or users. As such, both Management and the Lifeguard staff err on the side of caution until a call has been made from Life Saving Victoria or other relevant advisory body."

That's what this is all about folks - Liability. They don't know anything about Mermaiding so they're covering their arses. I just hope that they research correctly, but I'm skeptical.

[-Annwyn-]

IMHO, once one council bans finswimming, then all councils will follow suit.

Our only option then would be two things:

1) Appeal for an exemption. This may require being a part of a diving or freediving body, and proving that one has the proper certification to show that they are not a liability.

2)Seek out private pools to train in.

The truth of the matter is that this is becoming an issue that we seriously need to communicate about. We somehow need to view this as a positive thing.

[TheMermanDan]

IMHO, once one council bans finswimming, then all councils will follow suit.

Our only option then would be two things:

1) Appeal for an exemption. This may require being a part of a diving or freediving body, and proving that one has the proper certification to show that they are not a liability.

2)Seek out private pools to train in.

I also think a bit of publicity goes a long way. The Project only just featured a segment on Adam Velantine (a merman in Melbourne) and they filmed the segment at Fitzroy pools who have been very supportive of his Mermaning. If the council chose to put a ban on them then I will be asking for Australia wide support from Mercommunity to build some noise and hope to get the Project's attention.

This is not at council level at the moment, but simply being reviewed by the state YMCA Aquatic Risk Management.

My key issue with this online res-ponce was that it implies that I was asked to take off my tail as it was a possible danger, but the only danger expressed to me by the lifeguard was that kids will want one when they can't swim properly. !?!? So lets ban all surf boards as kids may drawn using one when they don't know how.

[-Annwyn-]

Yeah they're using a slippery slope argument which is ludicrous.

I'm penning a letter that I intend to present to Monash council once I get the response back from Brunswick Baths.

You know its almost funny. Moreland Council appear to LOVE the arts and fringe activities.

[AniaR]

IMHO, once one council bans finswimming, then all councils will follow suit.

Our only option then would be two things:

1) Appeal for an exemption. This may require being a part of a diving or freediving body, and proving that one has the proper certification to show that they are not a liability.

2)Seek out private pools to train in.

The truth of the matter is that this is becoming an issue that we seriously need to communicate about. We somehow need to view this as a positive thing.
That's what happened here. One started now all do

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Raina!!

We need your help! The naysayers and disbelievers have jumped on the banning bandwagon. Under every pic, they have commented how dangerous and how your kids can drown the minute they put one on etc.

https://www.facebook.com/finfunmermaidau/

[Calizaire]

Raina!!

We need your help! The naysayers and disbelievers have jumped on the banning bandwagon. Under every pic, they have commented how dangerous and how your kids can drown the minute they put one on etc.

https://www.facebook.com/finfunmermaidau/
I looked and the lack of information is appalling. Does no one think for themselves anymore?! Grrrr, those comments make me mad. I'm going to post something supportive.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I looked and the lack of information is appalling. Does no one think for themselves anymore?! Grrrr, those comments make me mad. I'm going to post something supportive.
Yay! Thankyou! Thankyou!
The more support from pro mers, the better, I think. It just looks to me like fear and ignorance. They don't know that there are other benefits to mermaid swimming, nor they have much info, so to them, its all bad.

I'm going for my weekly swim today too, I ask a couple of the lifeguards, see what they think of it.

[Calizaire]

Posted! (I'm Mermaid Callie).
Oh, those comments just burn me up...I had to edit out my snarkiness. :)

[TheMermanDan]

I am going to contact the Project as they have recently featured mermaid tails in a positive light and think this would be an interest stroy for summer to dispel the misinformation.

[TheMermanDan]

[QUOTE=AniaR;228672]Believe me, I have gone CRAZY leaving posts all over every single news post. It blows my mind it took like 8 months for them to see this old video lol. and it's not even from Australia.

Hey Raina,

I have sent the Project (popular news and entertainment show on prime time TV) an email regarding what has happened and expressing my concern around the banning of Mertails here in Oz. I quoted you in the email and referenced your post and shared your video. I hope you do not mind. I really should have asked you first.

Fingers crossed they pick up the story.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Its not banned at my pool!:yay::cheerleader:

There I was splashing, making big fin slaps, swimming under the lanes, all in my merfin. Nobody blew their whistle, or told me to leave/take off fin. Granted, I didn't have a tail skin on, even then, still nobody said anything bad. We shall see on next week's swim when I bring in a tail.

[TheMermanDan]

This is great to hear! I really hope this I end up being an isolated case. I had been swimming there for weeks and then an overnight ban was put in place due to media beat up.

Please take a look at the thread I have put up regarding contacting The Project tv show about Mertails.

Happy splashing. x x

[hellocourtney]

I can't deal with all of these people complaining that they would have to closely supervise their child while wearing the fin. Pretty sure you should be closely supervising your child whenever they're near water anyway 😑

Hopefully this doesn't catch on everywhere in Australia. These sort of things quickly cross the ditch to NZ and I don't want to be banned from pools before I even finish my tail...

[-Annwyn-]

I can't deal with all of these people complaining that they would have to closely supervise their child while wearing the fin. Pretty sure you should be closely supervising your child whenever they're near water anyway 

Hopefully this doesn't catch on everywhere in Australia. These sort of things quickly cross the ditch to NZ and I don't want to be banned from pools before I even finish my tail...

We're sorry! lol

But 9/10 Angry Mothers agree that children wearing THOSE fins are dangerous, based purely on hype. Don't let the facts get in the way of sensationalism!

[hellocourtney]

We're sorry! lol

But 9/10 Angry Mothers agree that children wearing THOSE fins are dangerous, based purely on hype. Don't let the facts get in the way of sensationalism!
Lol not your fault guys!

But there was a VIDEO on the you tube where a girl DRWONED so now I am an expert let me tell you how to live your life

[-Annwyn-]

Yep, The Checkout pretty much nails what's going on right now...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X48sIeuyW34

[Merman Andrew]

I've just been to the FinFun website to respond to some of the negative comments. I noticed one woman who was commenting reckoned there was 4 people in Newcastle that had drowned. It's probably heresay but does anyone know anything about this? I saw that FinFun responded to her post asking for verification of the events, so we'll wait and see if she actually responds to that. There was also mention of Mermaid tails being 'banned' here not sure if she is just making this up or if she has info about other places that may have enforced bans? If anyone hears of any other places that are banning Mermaid tails please keep the community updated here!
Thanks
Leomar

[Mer-Crazy]

Pretty sure Raina did a lot of research on this and found there were only a hand full of drownings caused by monofins or breath hold (can't remember which sorry) and they were navy trainings or something. Either way so far no one here has been able to find ANY proven report of death involving a mermaid tail.

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[AniaR]

Raina!!

We need your help! The naysayers and disbelievers have jumped on the banning bandwagon. Under every pic, they have commented how dangerous and how your kids can drown the minute they put one on etc.

https://www.facebook.com/finfunmermaidau/

they must of deleted them? I can't see any

[AniaR]

Finfun website or finfun facebook???

[AniaR]

I can't find any of the posts you guys are talking about, if you link them I'll go reply.

[AniaR]

Ok, I did some digging and found them, lol it just happened when the news thing happened so they're a few weeks old. I replied!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Oh it was Fin Fun Australia fb.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fin-Fun-Mermaid-Australia/602670906503254

[Mer-Crazy]

And now they're banned across ALL of Victoria. Yay.

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[Merman Andrew]

And now they're banned across ALL of Victoria. Yay.

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Do you mean banned in certain shops, or banned in pools? Can you please provide a link to any info on this?

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

[Mer-Crazy]

Do you mean banned in certain shops, or banned in pools? Can you please provide a link to any info on this?

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
Apologies, banned in all public pools. Well the title says all, the article/ video says YMCA
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/01/02/18/44/mermaid-tail-pool-toy-banned-across-victoria

[Merman Andrew]

Apologies, banned in all public pools. Well the title says all, the article/ video says YMCA
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/01/02/18/44/mermaid-tail-pool-toy-banned-across-victoria
OK luckily this is just the YMCA pools so far and I would say this is as a result of the safety review that was done as a result of Brunswick Baths calling into question the safety of Mermaid/Merman tails. This is quite bad as other public pools may decide to follow suit on this. Please keep everyone posted here if you hear anything else!

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Well that sucks! They should've had tail wearers do a swim test. Just like they make the kids do a swim test, before they let them onto the inflatables.

They didn't do proper research about OHS but instead of basing their info on one video. And the added benefits of tail/monofin swimming.

Told ya fear and paranoia is what will get us all banned. Luckily, its not in NSW yet, and fins crossed I have looked up my local pool and its not a YMCA one.

[Merman Andrew]

Well that sucks! They should've had tail wearers do a swim test. Just like they make the kids do a swim test, before they let them onto the inflatables.

They didn't do proper research about OHS but instead of basing their info on one video. And the added benefits of tail/monofin swimming.

Told ya fear and paranoia is what will get us all banned. Luckily, its not in NSW yet, and fins crossed I have looked up my local pool and its not a YMCA one.
I've been doing a little research and it looks like several fair trading organisations including nsw, Vic and Wa have so far flagged the tail warning. So we have to be careful this ban could spread really quickly nation wide.

Also, please sign the petition to remove the ban here https://www.change.org/p/anthea-hancocks-ymca-victoria-remove-the-ban-on-mermaid-tails-at-ymca-victoria-swimming-pools

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[Merman Andrew]

By the way, tails have not been banned Australia wide YET, but the ACCC (Australian Competiton and Consumer Commission) are currently doing a review and pending that they may be banned Australia wide!

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

I'M SAFE! SAFE!! :cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleade r::cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader:

I just called my pool to ask what they thought of the Vic YMCA ban, and they say have no plans to put it place, AND the pool is council run.

[TheMermanDan]

Thank you for setting up the petition.

[-Annwyn-]

Bureaucracy loves paperwork.

This news as caught me on a not-so-good day.


We are fucked. We are all fucked.

[Merman Andrew]

I have sent an email directly to the pool awaiting a response and if I am not satisfied with that outcome then I will follow your advice and bring it up with the local Mayor. Thank you. x Dan, can you please contact Choice and the ACCC as well as they seem to be the ones driving the push for this ban. I don't think the Mayor can do much if ACCC bans them.

[-Annwyn-]

So I sent an email to my council's 3 pools, asking them all if I would be banned from using my tail in their pools.

Just waiting on a response.

[TheMermanDan]

Dan, can you please contact Choice and the ACCC as well as they seem to be the ones driving the push for this ban. I don't think the Mayor can do much if ACCC bans them.

I was thinking about this just today. I will put together an email tomorrow and send it out. I would highly encourage others to do the same.

[AniaR]

I think I'm one of the only if not the only mermaid who got pools to reverse bands. Our entire province decided to ban. But I got them to flip back.

I really feel the key is not to complain. They love to make you look like some weirdo with a weird hobby mad they can't do it.

The key is to approach pools and the media with solutions. Suggestions. And ideas. Then people will be on your side and support you.

As a community we need to start replying that way both on the small scale of social media, and the larger scale like being in the news.

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[TheMermanDan]

I couldn't agree more! The first thing I did was have a sitdown meeting with the head managment of a number of YMCA pools who were very happy to her solutions and options. They are now putting forward my recommendations to the National Board who are due to review the ban in the comming weeks.

[Merman Andrew]

The key is to approach pools and the media with solutions. Suggestions. And ideas. Then people will be on your side and support you.

As a community we need to start replying that way both on the small scale of social media, and the larger scale like being in the news.

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Yes so true! I have been trying to do this whenever I post or share about the issue, first I put forward the facts (as people probably don't know them) and then explain the proposed alternatives of having a swim test, etc.

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[AniaR]

It's really important that it is the focus in the media because so far it comes across complainy

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[Mer-Crazy]

I couldn't agree more! The first thing I did was have a sitdown meeting with the head managment of a number of YMCA pools who were very happy to her solutions and options. They are now putting forward my recommendations to the National Board who are due to review the ban in the comming weeks.
Wow Dan! That's awesome! Way to go ^_^

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[-Annwyn-]

I couldn't agree more! The first thing I did was have a sitdown meeting with the head managment of a number of YMCA pools who were very happy to her solutions and options. They are now putting forward my recommendations to the National Board who are due to review the ban in the comming weeks.


That sounds promising.

BTW Dan are you coming to our Meeting on Wednesday evening?

[-Annwyn-]

It's really important that it is the focus in the media because so far it comes across complainy

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It does sounds whingy at the the moment. Gotta remember to be pragmatic in our approach and not to use excuses like "But it's been my dream since I was a child." Sorry, the ACCC really don't give a shit how sentimental you think something is, unfortunately.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I just feel like... How to describe it? You know those people on the Titanic that they locked up in the lower cargo area? That's how I feel like right now because of all these stupid tail bans. I'm lucky my pool is council run and the people there are open minded to the possibilities mermaiding has. But I feel so bad for those that can't follow their dreams.

[-Annwyn-]

And my bathtub is really too f***ing small and annoying. Getting sick of it already.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I rang Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Sydney, earlier today...

The lady I spoke to, insisted that they were dangerous and people have drowned in them. I asked for proof or link to where I can read of these drownings, and she kept insisting that they were dangerous and they have been banned from the pool. In the end, I told her, she shouldn't have based her info on one video, and instead looked at the possibilities AND health benefits from mermaid swimming. Her last words, "They are dangerous. People have drowned. We have banned them from our pools." After I finished the call, I look around on their website a little more, they are YMCA run.

I still got my local pool and cute lifeguards.

[Luna Dreamtide]

I rang Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Sydney, earlier today...

The lady I spoke to, insisted that they were dangerous and people have drowned in them. I asked for proof or link to where I can read of these drownings, and she kept insisting that they were dangerous and they have been banned from the pool. In the end, I told her, she shouldn't have based her info on one video, and instead looked at the possibilities AND health benefits from mermaid swimming. Her last words, "They are dangerous. People have drowned. We have banned them from our pools." After I finished the call, I look around on their website a little more, they are YMCA run.

I still got my local pool and cute lifeguards.
That's so annoying. Have there actually been drownings? Because I didn't think so.

[Mer-Crazy]

That's so annoying. Have there actually been drownings? Because I didn't think so.
I've certainly never heard any. But hey, the random pool lady clearly knows better than a whole community of mermaids with years of experience. What are you gonna do? I mean if she'd just admitted she doesn't know, or has no control over the ban then that would have been way better than her just being an ignorant parrot.

[AniaR]

There have been no drownings.

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[Mer-Crazy]

There have been no drownings.

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Silly Raina. The pool lady said there were. Weren't you listening? Haha (sarcasm because I am really bad at it)

[Merman Andrew]

That's so annoying. Have there actually been drownings? Because I didn't think so.
Consumer Protection WA have admitted themselves there have not been any drownings and that the warning about Mermaid tails was a preemptive one ahead of the holiday season. They did mention they had some info on some near misses that have occurred but won't be releasing this until after the summer period. As far as I am aware the only pools to have officially banned them is the YMCA pools in Vic, not the other states, so not even sure that woman is right in saying their pool has banned them.

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[hellocourtney]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/75916211/mermaid-tails-banned-from-auckland-pools

I just found out all of the council run pools in my city have banned mermaid tails, again because of that one video. Ugh, so frustrating! It's 100% because Australia is doing it, so NZ has to do it to.
I'm so grateful that I live on the coast surrounded by fantastic beaches!

[Merman Andrew]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/75916211/mermaid-tails-banned-from-auckland-pools

I just found out all of the council run pools in my city have banned mermaid tails, again because of that one video. Ugh, so frustrating! It's 100% because Australia is doing it, so NZ has to do it to.
I'm so grateful that I live on the coast surrounded by fantastic beaches!
Oh no! So sorry to hear that there are bans happening over there as well! It looks like this issue isn't going away anytime soon, so I think education is the only remedy. While some of the concerns people have against Mermaid tails are valid, we all need to help educate everyone that tails can be safe if used correctly. I'm not sure many people are aware of the safety features of the current generation of fabric tails, that the monofin can be removed easily to allow you to swim normally, or that the tails are indeed designed to be functional swimming tools. I really don't think some people realise that you can actually swim well with them once the technique is learnt. I also think Mermaid classes and a certification test (ie swimming test) as well as maybe additional swimming rules when swimming with tails are needed to help ally the concerns of public pools.

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[AniaR]

Mermaid Courtney just launched a great info website!

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[Merman Andrew]

Mermaid Courtney just launched a great info website!

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Link please?

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[Ilyena]

It has hit Adelaide too..banning Mermaid tails...but no monofins which are essentially the same thing!

[Merman Andrew]

Oh no! Do you have any links to news items on it? I couldn't find anything after doing a quick search.

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[Ilyena]

Just pictures and posts on FB from the swim centers saying they've banned them and a picture from someone of the sign in their lobby

[Merman Andrew]

The only place I could find on Facebook with a ban was Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Any others?

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[Merman Andrew]

'Statistics from Royal Life Saving Society - Australia show that 59 people have drowned in Australia since the start of December, a 16% increase on the same period last year.'

I think we should ban regular swimming. It's obviously far too dangerous and much more dangerous than mermaid swimming which has had a grand total of 0 drowning deaths WORLDWIDE!!!

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[Ilyena]

SA aquatic and leisure center, Marion swim center. More people die from cow attacks and falling vending machines.

[Merman Andrew]

Gosh how embarrassing to die from a cow attack :(

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[Merman Andrew]

I know, let's ban ALL COWS! :)

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[Merman Andrew]

It looks like Today Tonight are going to do an item in the next few days on looking into the Mermaid tail ban. I just saw a post on Adelaide's Mermaid Swimming classes page.

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[Ilyena]

Link?

[Merman Andrew]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1584681745118590&id=1444491682470931 and
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1584707881782643&id=1444491682470931

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Oh Adelaide. I thought it was nationwide show?

[Ilyena]

Thank you. I was looking up the wrong page XP

[Merman Andrew]

Hey all I just created this meme to help combat the negative information about mermaid tails at the moment. Please feel free to share it around on social media etc.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160203/663bab100733bbec6f96d2578f5118cc.jpg

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[Merman Andrew]

Also here is one Mermaid Adrienne created.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160203/a83636dac52cc5dbc822135ea469749b.jpg

[Merman Andrew]

Mermaid Courtney just launched a great info website!

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Found it! http://mermaidsafetyguide.weebly.com

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[AniaR]

I actually disagree with two points of that infographic

should be "I am used by all sorts of swimmers including professionals" (because the vast majority of monofin users are not professionals)

and it CAN be a health and safety risk, so it should say "I am safe when used properly"

[AniaR]

Really excited. I was approached by the Life Saving Society- the body that regulates all things swimming and pool usage across Canada- to help them with their formal decisions on mermaid tails and monofin use. Up until now, they have not made a statement officially as they have been trying to gather information. They are going to meet with me, we're going to teach them about the fins, they're going to check out our study at the aquatron, and observe our mermaid school (woo, pressure). I am happy for the chance to advocate for the other side of things and help them come to a decision with safety in mind. Fins crossed. This could help turn the tides of monofin and mermaid bans!

[Merman Andrew]

Really excited. I was approached by the Life Saving Society- the body that regulates all things swimming and pool usage across Canada- to help them with their formal decisions on mermaid tails and monofin use. Up until now, they have not made a statement officially as they have been trying to gather information. They are going to meet with me, we're going to teach them about the fins, they're going to check out our study at the aquatron, and observe our mermaid school (woo, pressure). I am happy for the chance to advocate for the other side of things and help them come to a decision with safety in mind. Fins crossed. This could help turn the tides of monofin and mermaid bans!







Wow, that is awesome news!

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[curvecreation]

Really sad. I went to swim in just my monofin at the Anette Kellerman swim centre a few weekends ago. I checked their website as well as called them to make sure there wasn't a ban on monofins. I was allowed to walk in, my monofin in full view, pay for my entry and enter the pool before being called to the side and told to "new policies" bought in 6 months ago (around Christmas) they don't allow Monofins or mermaid tails in their pool as they are a hazard. When I asked why this information was not displayed on their website or that their own staff knew nothing about it, I was simply told to exit the pool. I requested a refund as my sole purpose for going to the swim centre was to swim with my fin and that I'd been incredibly diligent in checking that they were allowed. When I exited the receptionist knew nothing about the new policy, told me they don't give refunds and called the head life guard. I asked why they were banned and was given no reason, just that it was 'new policy' and it wasn't allowed. Ironically they gave a glass mermaid on the wall in the foyer.

To any Sydney based mer's, avoid this centre.

http://www.akac.com.au/

[Kait]

Really sad. I went to swim in just my monofin at the Anette Kellerman swim centre a few weekends ago. I checked their website as well as called them to make sure there wasn't a ban on monofins. I was allowed to walk in, my monofin in full view, pay for my entry and enter the pool before being called to the side and told to "new policies" bought in 6 months ago (around Christmas) they don't allow Monofins or mermaid tails in their pool as they are a hazard. When I asked why this information was not displayed on their website or that their own staff knew nothing about it, I was simply told to exit the pool. I requested a refund as my sole purpose for going to the swim centre was to swim with my fin and that I'd been incredibly diligent in checking that they were allowed. When I exited the receptionist knew nothing about the new policy, told me they don't give refunds and called the head life guard. I asked why they were banned and was given no reason, just that it was 'new policy' and it wasn't allowed. Ironically they gave a glass mermaid on the wall in the foyer.

To any Sydney based mer's, avoid this centre.

http://www.akac.com.au/

Oh curvecreation, so sorry that happened to you. We're lucky that we haven't had any problems yet in NQ but I'm sure it's only a matter of time.
Ps. great to finally see you on here ;)

[curvecreation]

Oh curvecreation, so sorry that happened to you. We're lucky that we haven't had any problems yet in NQ but I'm sure it's only a matter of time.
Ps. great to finally see you on here ;)

I was so upset. The only days I really have free to train are the days my partner is at work, which means I don't have access to the car. It was my closest centre. Its even more upsetting to hear that a centre named after one of the first Mermaid Swimmers in Australia, as I saw in the earlier post. I'm not really sure how to move forward from here, as travelling further would mean losing an ENTIRE day to my training, which with my current blogging/small businesses I really can't afford.

I guess I was more disappointed with the lack of communication within their own company. That this new policy had been in place for MONTHS yet only the head lifeguard was aware of it and not the people who are the initial point of contact with the public. Also that it didn't make their December newsletter and it wasn't included on their terms and conditions/policies page.

I've been here for a while, just kind of lurking. I've found the Mernetwork to be a great source of info: its what made me opt for a monofin first as oppose to an actual tail and I hope to eventually be able to contribute here more.

But yeah, its pretty crap.

[Mermaid Freyja]

Curvecreation, what a horrid experience! I'm so sorry you had to go through that with your pool.
By your description, I could have written that myself word for word because I had the same experience recently at a local University pool here in California.
It made me so angry and sad. For months we were having mermaid swims during public hours. Everything was fine, the staff was very welcoming, then bam! The so-called policy that was suddenly flung at us came out of nowhere.
I think someone must have mentioned the dreaded words; Insurance Liability, should anyone be injured while swimming in anything that binds the feet.
Totally understandable, yet the way they handled it was the absolute wrong way.
Rules like this need to be clearly posted at the pool and online if they are going to tell people it's a long-time rule.
Indeed, how ironic considering the name of your swim centre! :doh:
I hope it all works out well for you in the end. Keep swimming, and good luck <3 <3 <3

[Mermaid Jaffa]

You should've at least gotten your money back and not some cheap 2nd hand wall hanging. You paid to swim, you got turned away. That's wrong how they simply justified it by giving you a useless wall hanging.

[Merman Andrew]

Really sad. I went to swim in just my monofin at the Anette Kellerman swim centre a few weekends ago. I checked their website as well as called them to make sure there wasn't a ban on monofins. I was allowed to walk in, my monofin in full view, pay for my entry and enter the pool before being called to the side and told to "new policies" bought in 6 months ago (around Christmas) they don't allow Monofins or mermaid tails in their pool as they are a hazard. When I asked why this information was not displayed on their website or that their own staff knew nothing about it, I was simply told to exit the pool. I requested a refund as my sole purpose for going to the swim centre was to swim with my fin and that I'd been incredibly diligent in checking that they were allowed. When I exited the receptionist knew nothing about the new policy, told me they don't give refunds and called the head life guard. I asked why they were banned and was given no reason, just that it was 'new policy' and it wasn't allowed. Ironically they gave a glass mermaid on the wall in the foyer.

To any Sydney based mer's, avoid this centre.

http://www.akac.com.au/

So sorry to hear, that sucks!! Annette Kellerman would be so angry if she were still alive that the facility created in her name doesn't allow Mer swimming. I know you said you can't easily travel but there are some other pools in Sydney that do allow mer tails and monofins, hopefully you would be able to make it to one of these? This is the list I know of so far:

Ryde Aquatic Lesuire Centre, Ryde - allows monofins and tails
Sydney Aquatic Centre, Homebush - allows monofins and tails
Sutherland Lesuire Centre, Sutherland - allows tails and monofins

From what you were saying about where you live I think Sydney Olympic park might be closest for you to get to travelling by train.

Good luck, I hope it works out!

[LadyPirotessa]

TheMermanDan (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?6521-TheMermanDan), I was wondering if this was ever resolved? If so what were the next steps? Can you now swim in the Brunswick Baths?

[Merman Andrew]

TheMermanDan (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?6521-TheMermanDan), I was wondering if this was ever resolved? If so what were the next steps? Can you now swim in the Brunswick Baths?
I'm not Merman Dan but I have been following this issue closely so feel qualified to reply to this. Unfortunately the end result is not a good one. Brunswick baths is a YMCA in Melbourne VIC and at the time of Merman Dan posting this the ban was only local. Shortly afterwards YMCA Australia reviewed Mermaid tail use at thier pools and decided to ban them in ALL thier pools across Australia. If that wasn't bad enough many other aquatic facilities across Australia decided to copy this decision without much thought or investigation and as a result we now have tail bans at many of the pools across Australia.

Since then there have been a few pools that have reversed the ban decision but largely things remain unchanged. I have been able to confirm with the ACCC that an Australia wide product ban won't happen, and that it is down to the individual pool to overturn a ban or not. I have also been pursuing the issue of tail bans with Royal Life Saving Society here in VIC as they (RLSS Australia) were one of the main organisations recommending a ban. What I have asked them is to consider that instead of advocating for bans they recommend pools implement a swim test or other rules as necessary to minimise the chance of risk of someone at a pool drowning in a Mermaid tail. This way they can lead the way and set consistent safety standards Australia wide. I am still waiting to hear back from them and will update you all here when I get a response back.



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[Mer-Crazy]

From what I've seen far north NSW and south east QLD (possibly more but this is mostly around where I live and can say for sure) all seem very lax about this subject and I've yet to find a pool that has a problem with my tails (there's actually on in Burleigh that is super into mermaids and loves it when I rock up there). I always call ahead if I'm driving far, just in case or if not I ask before entering the facility but I've yet to be told no.

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[AniaR]

I know Mahina is also aggressively asking mermaids NOT to put her fins in their tails due to safety concerns now.

[Merman Andrew]

From what I've seen far north NSW and south east QLD (possibly more but this is mostly around where I live and can say for sure) all seem very lax about this subject and I've yet to find a pool that has a problem with my tails (there's actually on in Burleigh that is super into mermaids and loves it when I rock up there). I always call ahead if I'm driving far, just in case or if not I ask before entering the facility but I've yet to be told no.

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Yes, QLD still seems to be the exception to the bans at the moment.

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[Merman Andrew]

I know Mahina is also aggressively asking mermaids NOT to put her fins in their tails due to safety concerns now.
To me this looks more like a marketing tactic than anything else. A few of the Mers in Australia that sell Mahina fins are saying that Mahina fins are safer than tails and people should not buy tails because they are potentially unsafe. Clever way to make more people buy more of thier product. I'm not too happy about them slandering all other manufacturers just so they can sell more, and I don't believe the risks significantly increase whether you have a tail over your monofin or not. To me this is just perpetuating the fear and ignorance that Mermaid tails are unsafe.

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[Fifi Tigg]

Thankfully here in the southwest of Western Australia have no bans on mermaid tails :D
I think it maybe because we have been swimming in tails for years before this stupid viral video :(

[LadyPirotessa]

Thank you so much for the update leomar (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?6590-leomar) ! It's not a happy thing that tails keep getting banned. I know here in VA, I am currently having trouble as well so I am starting the process with the county, and was wondering if this ban went well for him (and the rest of the Australian Mers as well).

[moomer]

Hey!
So I've been following this thread for a while now. I am from Newcastle, but will be moving down to Melbourne very soon.
(Newcastle council pools have not yet banned the tails or fins, although Sydney has)
Is there a list of pools I should avoid/definitely check out/can help educate? This is such sad news that a passion can be turned upside down because of over zealous parents...

[Natacia Rothero]

I think if you email the pool before you arrive they will tell you. I did so with ripples near penrith where i live and the emailed me back a no

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[moomer]

Thanks for that! That was going to be my plan of 'merttack' :P

[Natacia Rothero]

Haha welcome

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[Rebela Hunter]

I'm sorry this ban is happening to you mers :C
I wish I could like it [privacy settings don't let me], but I shared it in any case!

[mermaid anastasia]

I have yet to find a pool near me that allows tails :(

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[Slim]

What area are you in? Very rarely am I told no on bring tails. Nevermind, I read the topic wrong and thought Florida in the usa :shame:



I have yet to find a pool near me that allows tails :(

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[mermaid anastasia]

What area are you in? Very rarely am I told no on bring tails. Nevermind, I read the topic wrong and thought Florida in the usa :shame:
I live in Leesburg area the public pools iv been to allow the monofin but not the tail if you know of a place near by id love to find a pool the springs are beautiful but very cold iv been considering getting a gym membership at to your health in the villages if they allow them but haven't checked yet and i dont want to pay for a whole year when i know ill be very likely leaving florida or at least be moving about 3 hours north of here in april

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[moomer]

This thread is specifically about pools in Australia, but we feel your pain. I have been rebuffed at so many pools in Newcastle now. It is so frustrating.

[mermaid anastasia]

This thread is specifically about pools in Australia, but we feel your pain. I have been rebuffed at so many pools in Newcastle now. It is so frustrating.
I knew it was about Australia but it kinda tied in it just goes to show its happening everywhere and if you have not found any try a gym with a pool im going in to talk to a manager this weekend to make sure my tail is allowed befor i pay for the month (fingers crossed) but thats an option you can try

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[September]

I'm a Tasmanian Mermaid, but when I was in Melbourne recently i went to the Richmond Recreation Centre to swim. The first day was fine, but the second day someone else said they had a policy, banning the use of tails. I explained I had swum just yesterday and I had checked up and everyone said it was fine, and eventually we agreed that I could swim, as long as I would take it off if I felt I was in danger, or got caught underwater, etc. In Tasmania, the most popular pool down south, the Hobart Aquatic Centre, has banned tails, however this pool isn't good for recreational swimmers who aren't children. I have multiple other pools that I attend using my fabric tail, and my girlfriend using her hybrid tail. I always call first to check, and if there is a problem I can explain the safety precautions, etc.

As far as I am concerned, there have been no deaths regarding mermaid tails, and few regarding monofins. The most recent, and the only one I know of, was an adult male swimming in the open ocean.

As I have only gotten into mermaiding quite recently, a lot of people around me are asking questions, and a lot of people are asking where to buy them. I always say that you have to be confident in the water before even touching a monofin, and advise parents to do heavy research before buying them for people under the age of 12.