Prestatyn mermaid Tyler Turner invites you to be part of her world

Prestatyn's Tyler Turner did. She is part of a growing 'pod' of mermaids and mermen - who don tails to swim and perform on land and underwater as magical half-human, half-fish mer-people.

"It's incredibly liberating and therapeutic," said Tyler, . "Physically mermaiding is hard work but over the years we have found that we have attracted a supportive community of like-minded people who all just want to help each other and appreciate our shared passion. It's really inspiring to see."

@rhyl_journal Our reporter Alec Doyle met Prestatyn’s real-life mermaid! #mermaid #mermaids #mermaidsarereal #prestatyn #northwales #denbighshire #summer #sea #seaside ♬ Part of Your World - From "The Little Mermaid" - Halle

Mermaids and mermen wear fish-like tails and fins over their legs. They can often be seen swimming in the sea at outdoor charity events or in aquariums, putting on a show and fundraising for charity.

"It is magical at events to see children amazed when they see us," said Tyler. "It's  really special to help feed that creativity and wonder that children have.

"To have a hobby where you bring magic to people's lives, or keep the magic alive for them, is really powerful. 

"Mermaiding can also have a positive effect on older kids and adults. I'm living proof of that."

Tyler first got into mermaiding seven years ago, at a time when she was struggling with her mental health.

"I was in a job I didn't enjoy, I was missing something in my life and I couldn't put my finger on what it was," she said. "It was having a profound effect on my mental health and taking me to some really dark places.

"I left my job and started as a pool attendant at Palins Holiday Park in Rhyl while I thought about what my future held. I'd always loved cosplay - where you go to dress as characters you love - and when I saw that people could dress and swim as mermaids I was just drawn to it. 

"It looked amazing so I started doing some research. Within days I was looking for ways to become a mermaid and places I could train!"

An underwater journey

Fast forward and Tyler has been crowned Miss Mermaid Wales 2019 and is a member of the Dŵr Tails North Wales Mermaid pod. 

It has 11 members in total - including Lukas Stevenson, 29, from Ruthin. He has established a specialist mermaid school to train new mermaids and mermen at Ysgol y Môr sea school in Mold. The school is Scuba Schools International-accredited and teaches people how to mermaid safely, including what to do if you get into trouble underwater.

The pod also trains with Southsea Scuba at the pool at St Martin's School in Oswestry and select other venues when they can secure them.

So how hard is mermaiding?

"The only real entry requirement is to be able to swim 25m," said Tyler. "But it is an inclusive community. We have mermaids and mermen who can't swim or are not confident swimmers who enjoy sitting on the shore with their tails.

"Everyone is welcome, we are a fun and open community who have been brought together by our love of mermaiding.

"Those of us that do swim train in pools when we can and work on breathing exercises and meditation to allow us to remain underwater for lengthy periods of time. I think my record is three minutes."

According to Tyler, the peace that can be found underwater is profound.

"It is so quiet down there and being underwater for that long without equipment is so peaceful, that's where it can be really therapeutic."

The peace and serenity of mermaiding is one thing, but children or adults looking to get into the hobby need to be aware of doing so safely. 

"Safety is always paramount," said Tyler. "Everyone is welcome but we don't ever recommend that people just go and try mermaiding. Find your local pod or reach out for advice, because trying this without proper training can be dangerous.

"There are some people who see us and their kids really want to do it so they go out and buy a tail without maybe doing their research. Some cheap tails or fins can be dangerous in the water.

"If you want to get into mermaiding get in touch with us or come and see us at an event and we'll happily help you. Mermaiding doesn't have to be expensive, but your tail does have to be safe."

Tyler Turner brings magic to life through mermaiding - a hobby which has also had a positive impact on her mental health (Image: Pauline Cook)

Keeping the magic alive

Tyler and the Dŵr Tails pod share their passion with the public through charity fundraising events.

"We support charities that are close to our hearts," said Tyler. "For example I am an ambassador for the North Wales Seal Research Organisation which does fantastic work.

"We always try to raise money for causes that make a real difference. Recently for the 80th anniversary of D-Day we got behind the military mental health charity the Step Up Foundation.

"We receive a lot of support from the Prestatyn branch of Tesco, who help us however they can and we are just trying to use our hobby - which has had a positive impact on each of us - to have a positive impact on others."

And Dŵr Tails is even helping create safe spaces at comic-cons for anyone who feels overwhelmed or anxious through the 'Is the Mermaid Here' scheme.

"If we are at an event and someone is feeling anxious or unsafe, they can ask 'Is the Mermaid Here' and be brought to a safe space where they can chill and take time out," said Tyler. "Most people think of comic-cons as places of joy where people cosplay and share what they love.

"Occasionally the sights and sounds can overwhelm people, particularly those who may be neurodivergent. Sometimes toxic people at events can also make things difficult for people.

"We do not intervene ourselves. We offer safe spaces for anyone feeling anxious. We will also help signpost them to organisations that can help and support them if they want that, including any that may be on-site at the event.

"We have already rolled this out with John and Lisa Griffiths, who run Aintree Comic-con. They really care about their visitors and were really on-board with the idea." 

Ocean royalty

Mermaiding is a global phenomenon - and Tyler is hoping to put North Wales on the map.

In November she will compete in Miss Ocean World UK - a competition where entrants are judged on not only their mermaid appearance and skills, but also their contribution to helping clean up our oceans and waterways and educate people on the risks of polluting our seas. 

The winner will represent the UK at Miss Ocean World in India, where they will take on the best mermaids from each nation.

"It's a great platform to spread our positive message," said Tyler. "I'm really looking forward to just going there and showing people my interpretation of this extraordinary thing I am so passionate about."

You can meet the Dŵr Tails pod yourself this summer as they head out and about along the North Wales coast.

On August 17 they will be at Frith Fun Day while on August 25 you can find them at the Rhyl RNLI Water Safety Day. 

"We love getting out and about and showing people what the pod is all about," said Tyler. "If you see us out at events this summer please come and say hello."