Aquariums?

[Mermaid of Orbegon Lake]

I'm not sure if this is in the right place. I'm thinking of contacting an aquarium that's an hour away from my home. They have a freshwater tank with fish that I'm (sort of) used too. The tank fits divers from pictures and such. How would I go about contacting them about being a mermaid for them without sounding.. odd.. or childish.
I have stuff starting with my local YMCA, but I know one people in charge, so I didn't have to worry too much about formalities, since it is such a small town and community.
I think it would be fun to swim in an aquarium, I'm sure it would help with business for them too since everything around here is so small. In what ways would I learn how to swim in an aquarium? I know free diving classes are good for such things, but we don't have anything like that around here, just scuba.

[Ransom]

I've never done it myself, but in this situation I'd see what the aquarium wants -- is it more visitors, some entertainment or sharing about marine life? Maybe write and see if their needs align with yours, and work from there. You've got first-mover advantage, so if you'll be safe and assuage their concerns (for instance, only mermaiding when safety divers are present), I don't see a problem.

Not sure about freediving in your area, though. A cert would be helpful in assuring them, though it's up to the aquarium to decide in the end.

Hope this helps, and all the best!

[Princess Aegean]

It depends on the aquarium. One of my work friends and I wanted to mermaid at the aquarium we both work at (we've worked there awhile, are both scuba certified and comfortable with any of the animals, etc etc), and they said no. Not because of liability (they knew all the above about us), but because the aquarium was more focused on conservation, and mermaids aren't scientific fact. Not the reasoning I was expecting, but nonetheless I can respect it. I guess it just depends on the goals of the aquarium.

[AniaR]

I'll let you know that MOST of the mers who are swimming in aquariums are paying to do it and have the experience. It's sort of like some hush hush secret in the community because people use it to try and make themselves look good.

There are some established people such as Malena and Hales, along with the wands and wishes mers, who do get paid, and have had to really jump through hoops in order to land those gigs. So it is possible.

In my own experience I swim here in a local research aquarium several times a year (hired). I had to have certification, provide my own safety, and they wanted an educational component.

[Mermaid of Orbegon Lake]

Thank you I appreciate the information.

[Mermaid Oracle]

If they don’t require safety certifications run! I just just got out of a situation (you can read my post here) where I was going to swim in a shark tank. I don’t have certifications. The lack of safety concerns raised some other red flags too. So just keep that in mind.

[Odette]

Always be formal. I'm going to be possibly doing two aquarium visits (one for sure) and its because I was professional and formal.

Emphasize how it would benefit them as well and i think you will be fine. I hope you get it!

[Seaspray Mermaid]

Good luck with this! I'm hoping to do something similar in the future.