An update on the Stirling Leisure Centres monofin and mermaiding policy

Use of Mermaid Tails and Mono Fins by persons 12 years and older

o Mermaid tails and mono fins are to be used in conjunction with a facility booking for groups of 5 users or more.

o Groups of less than 5 may contact the facility and request to utilise available space without an existing booking. Space will be allocated at the discretion of the Duty Officer on the day, dependent of other facility bookings.

o Individuals or small groups (less than 5 people) may pay single entry and not pay for a facility booking.

o Prior to the commencement of the first booking all mermaid tail and mono fins users will be required to sign a liability release form. The form must be completed irrespective of whether an area for exclusive use is booked.

o Mermaid tail and mono fin users will be required to perform a competency assessment consisting of a 50m swim to be witnessed and signed off by a Duty Officer or Lifeguard.

o All users must sign in at reception and notify the Duty Officer upon each arrival to a City Aquatic Facility.

o All bookings/users must be accompanied at all times by a non-swimming adult (spotter/observer). The Spotter/Observer must be a competent swimmer and dressed appropriately to enter the water

o It is a requirement of all spotters to be on the pool deck, not in the water and at a distance where they are able to assist if required. The minimum spotter/observer to swimmer ratio for swimmers 18 years and over is 1:10.

o The minimum spotter/observer to swimmer ratio for swimmers 12 to 18 years is 1:5

o It is deemed appropriate for two individuals to ‘buddy up’ and spot each other (one in the water and one on pool deck)



Use of Mermaid Tails and Mono Fins by persons under the age of 12

o Mermaid tails and mono fins are not permitted for use at the City’s Aquatic Facilities by persons under the age of 12.



Breaches

o If a breach of this practice occurs the individual(s) will be requested to immediately cease.

o If an individual(s) fails to comply they may be asked to leave the facility.

o Management will review serious or repeated breaches as required and reserve the right to cancel booking(s) and/or refuse entry to the facility.

o Breath holding and free diving techniques are not endorsed