Warning that popular children's mermaid tails are a drowning risk
A popular pool toy has been labelled a drowning risk, after mermaid tails were found to significantly reduce a child's ability to swim.
They're a a hot ticket item for summer, made popular by mermaid TV shows.
But a recent West Australian study recommends the product, which binds a child's legs together, should come with strict guidelines and an age restriction.
A group of children were part of the study by Royal Life Saving WA, which showed the tails reduce a child's ability to swim or float by up to 70 per cent.
Consumer Protection authorities are warning that they can pose a significant drowning risk.
"The product safety authorities around Australia will be looking at this report and the findings and determining what should be done with these products at the point of sale," a Consumer Protection spokesperson said.
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In 2015, a young American girl tried out a mermaid tail for the first time in her backyard swimming pool and almost drowned. A video capturing the incident went viral online.
It's now being advised that parents carefully consider whether these products are appropriate for their children.
Consumer Protection say the warnings and labels on the mermaid fins can be a little too vague.
They would like to see labels in Australia stating that children under seven years old can't use them, and that parents must always be in attendance.
While there have been no recorded drowning deaths from using the fins, Royal Life Saving WA says the only way to help prevent a drowning is knowing the risk.
