This evening (August 21), the Jayman Built Aquatics Centre at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) has a three-hour special certification class running.

The inaugural, 'Introductory Mermaid/Mermen Academy,' for children 8 to 12 years old, is expected to be a sellout, shares Ben Marasco, Manager of Aquatics. "We have two fantastic instructors. Within the program, participants in the three-hour session, are going to do a variety of different mermaid activities, basic skills for swimming, and water safety. Besides learning safety with their tails; participants will learn how to take them on and off, different techniques for swimming around with them, and different games and activities with their tails."

The exciting part for Marasco is all the Mermaids and Mermen will walk away with certification. "They will then be able to use their tail in the pool after the academy as well."

While tonight's academy is really an introduction, those interested should know there is more programming on the way. "Once we have launched the program, starting this fall, there is going to be a weekly session. Likely, there will be a six-week mermaid camp or a session you can register for, other than the one-off workshops."

Participants interested/registered in the academy need to come tail ready, Marasco says the sports complex is looking at selling their own down the road. "In the fall, we are looking to carry mermaid tails. It will be something people can purchase, right from us, at Guest Services."

Receiving customer inquiries into swimming with a tail since the days of the Big Hill Leisure Pool, Marasco is excited to provide this opportunity finally. "The whole culture of mermaids has just become popular over the last couple of years. Knowing it is growing in popularity and hearing more feedback; we know this is definitely a program the Cochrane community will embrace and jump right into."

Those interested should be able to swim at a Level 4 or higher, says Marasco. "Something often misinterpreted or unexpected is how difficult it can be to stand up in the water when your two legs are bound together. So that is why we look for that Level 4 competency, to know they will be comfortable.

Only a couple of spots remain for tonight's academy which runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at the pool for $49. Those interested can sign up HERE.

If you can't make tonight watch for upcoming program dates this fall. Or if you have a tail, ask any lifeguard to facilitate a Mermaid tail test for certification.