A would-be mermaid is looking for a new place to swim after being told she can no longer use her tail at her local public baths due to health and safety fears.

Leia Trigger, who goes by the name Mermaid Aries, had previously worn her costume to explore the water in the guise of "a mythical, amazing, graceful creature" at the swimming pool in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

However, the management has now put a stop to the 18-year-old's aquatic exploits, citing health and safety reasons.

"It's mainly the health and safety risk, because the legs are bound together and they worried that I might get into trouble in the water or that I might end up hitting somebody," she said.

Image: Miss Trigger has been told she cannot swim as a mermaid in her local pool

While Miss Trigger's tail, made of spandex-type material, cost £150, they can be purchased for up to £4,000.


The teenager said she had received positive feedback from others about the costume and is hoping she can find another pool that will allow her to wear it.

She said she was first inspired to try a tail after watching a YouTube video about mermaid outfits.

"But I'm out of action now," she said.

"It's more of a case of trying to find somewhere else to swim or seeing if there's another path I can take with this.

"It's quite a big drawback at the moment."