Last July, Aquatics International reported on a growing ban on mermaid tails at facilities in Canada and England. Now pools in one Australian state are laying down the law.
According to The Age Victoria, the YMCA has banned the use of the popular water toys at at least 50 pools in Victoria.
"Mermaid tails create unnecessary risk to our patrons by restricting swimming ability, especially for weak swimmers and children," a statement read. "It's possible parents have purchased the product without realising [sic] the safety risk."
And they are not alone. Several facilities in New Zealand also have issued bans. As reported in the Otago Daily Times, the Dunedin City Council did so February 1, joining the Mosgiel pool, St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool and the Port Chalmers pool.
Interestingly, when AI first reported on the trend to ban mermaid tails, readers polled indicated they did not agree with the policy. While 69 percent believed they posed a serious safety issue, only 20 percent said they should be banned from use in public facilities. Another 50 percent said they should only be allowed to be used under direct supervision or during a class. Read More
