How to Introduce Mermaiding and Monofins to Local Pools?

[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!

[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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[Rebela Hunter]

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!

[uwmerman]

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!

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.

[mermaid anastasia]

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

[DancingJohari]

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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