How to Introduce Mermaiding and Monofins to Local Pools?

I will be making my rubber/neoprene mermaid tail very soon, and I found a pool I want to try and ask to allow me use of my tail.
I've never been there before. I have slight social anxiety so I really like to have a plan as to what I want to say so that there's little room for error.
So, my main questions are:

1.) Should I ask for monofin allowance first, then introduce a tail after a few weeks of using the pool?

2.) I know not to say that it's a swim aid, as it doesn't help me in the sense of, say, a floatie or pool noodle. How do I introduce the tail when they ask me what it is and why I do it?

3.) What can I do to reassure the staff that I have practice and am capable at swimming with the tail and also without any aid?

4.) Would it be best to ask in person with the tail in hand, email/message them and then go in and show upon request, or call them and try to explain it?

5.) Do I ask for the manager, or try to explain it to a regular staff member/lifeguard?

Any personal experiences, advice, and etc. is welcomed!
I'd like this to be a great central hub for those having the same issue!

Sending an email is a great idea if you have trouble talking to people (I do too) and that way you can also word all of your questions the way you want to!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mermaid_Mari

Sending an email is a great idea if you have trouble talking to people (I do too) and that way you can also word all of your questions the way you want to!


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Thank you, Mermaid Mari! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rebela Hunter

I will be making my rubber/neoprene mermaid tail very soon, and I found a pool I want to try and ask to allow me use of my tail.
I've never been there before. I have slight social anxiety so I really like to have a plan as to what I want to say so that there's little room for error.
So, my main questions are:

1.) Should I ask for monofin allowance first, then introduce a tail after a few weeks of using the pool?

2.) I know not to say that it's a swim aid, as it doesn't help me in the sense of, say, a floatie or pool noodle. How do I introduce the tail when they ask me what it is and why I do it?

3.) What can I do to reassure the staff that I have practice and am capable at swimming with the tail and also without any aid?

4.) Would it be best to ask in person with the tail in hand, email/message them and then go in and show upon request, or call them and try to explain it?

5.) Do I ask for the manager, or try to explain it to a regular staff member/lifeguard?

Any personal experiences, advice, and etc. is welcomed!
I'd like this to be a great central hub for those having the same issue!

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honestly I had the same thing about introducing a mono fin or tail to a pool. I swim at a local high school during adult swim. All I did was I had my tail in my car, as I came in on the day I wanted to swim in it I just asked the lifeguard if there are any rules or regulations against swimming in a monofin and or tail? Although in my case it was simple and she aid it was ok to use. I am not sure what your pool situation would be. If there would be a lot of people around during your swim time or if it would be pretty empty and you have the pool to yourself. I wasn't asked if I had any experience with swimming but I'm sure every situation is going to be different. Maybe you can swim there once or twice to get a feel for the environment. I got to know the lifeguard a little bit before asking if it was ok. I would love to hear how you will end up handing the situation but that's what I did. I asked in person the lifeguard but I did not bring my tail in with me. That way if they said no I wouldn't have to leave it in the locker room or take it back to my car before going swimming.

I've always done it over phone one place said no all together another said only the monofin and finally I found a place that had no problem also for number 1 if you want to assure that you can swim safely offer to do a swim test 2 just explain the benefits for health swimming in a tail uses a lot of different muscles 3 kinda goes in with the swim test hope this helps

all of our local pools won't let me wear my tail, but they do let me use a monofin. coursd my favorite pool i stopped going to because the lifeguards wouldn't let me use a swim mask (i was using it to protecy my eyes and sinuses as i get sinus infections very easily!) saying it was due to town rules but they wouldn't enforce other rules that were far more dangerous! so...depending on the lifeguards and management, I would feel them out and then if they won't let you, move on until you find a place.

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