Channel your inner mermaid (or merman) as you participate in a mermaid race! This relay race is a swim to the finish line, but with a twist – your legs are tied together!
Perfect for pool parties, family events, or any swim gathering, the mermaid race is a great way to have fun and share some laughs in the pool.
Accessories or Set Up Needed
For this relay, you’ll want a pool that has enough space where participants can comfortably race in their own “lanes”. For tying legs together, anything from pool noodles to a t-shirt can work.
It is imperative to note that your feet should be easy to break free of should you need to. The ties are not meant to bind your feet together.
These races can either be team relays or one on one, it all depends on how many participants will be swimming.
The Mermaid Relay Race
The objective of the mermaid race is to swim across the pool and back with your legs tied together, mimicking the tail of a mermaid.
The team that completes the race in the shortest time is declared the winner.
Before the race begins, decide on the handover of the items used to tie the legs. Typically, a participant will release their legs and give the item to the next swimmer to tie.
How to Start a Race
To start the mermaid relay:
- The first participants from each team start in the water with their legs already tied together
- At the start signal, participants swim from one end of the pool and back.
- Upon returning, the swimmer unties their legs, allowing the next participant to tie their legs and start their swim.
- The process continues until all team members have completed a lap.
- The team that finishes the race first wins!
Rules to follow
- Participants must keep their legs tied together while swimming their part of the race. Legs should only be untied once the participant has completed their swim.
- Teams must complete the race without interfering with other teams.
- There is no diving. All swimmers will start their laps in the water after their legs are tied
Strategy
To succeed in the mermaid race, teams need to focus on efficient and quick transitions between participants. Good communication, strong swimming skills, and stamina are all vital to gaining an advantage in the competition.
Practice the technique of swimming and flapping your legs to get used to the feeling of that type of movement
Variations to Play
- Implement obstacles or challenges along the course for participants to navigate while swimming.
- For an extra challenge, add tasks to perform at the end of the pool before swimming back.
Follow the Necessary Safety Precautions
- All participants must be expert swimmers for this relay. This race may require an odd swimming technique, so being comfortable in the water and being able to float is very important
- Ensure the pool area is free from any hazards or obstacles that could cause injury.
- The ties used should be easy to release for safety reasons. Do not use zip ties or a rope that is hard to remove
- Adult supervision is recommended for all participants.
On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!
It’s not every day that you can pretend to be a mythical creature. For this race, be creative and make the most of it.
Gather your teams, tie those tails, and let the fantastical race begin!
