Mermaid tails listed as unsafe by safety authorities

Australian product safety authorities have warned against buying mermaid tails as gifts for young children.

The toy essentially binds the legs of a swimmer and acts as a flipper so the child can "swim like a fish".

The product — which comes in two types, mono fin and the full mermaid suit — typically comes with an age recommendation of six and up, but Consumer Protection WA has warned the toy could be an unsafe gift in the hands of young or incapable swimmers.

Acting commissioner David Hillyard urged parents to think through their gifts and look past popular fads when ticking off their shopping list.

While the mermaid tail safety warning was not serious enough to prompt a recall, the alert was prompted by a viral video from the US showing a mother rescuing her daughter from a backyard pool after she became stuck upside down while wearing her mermaid suit.

Choice Australia and NSW Fair Trading also issued warnings against the mermaid tails just days before Christmas.

Consumer Protection WA retail and services acting manager Paul Maher said there were no reported cases of mermaid tail drownings in Australia, but education and adult supervision were key to avoiding any tragedies.

He said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) would assess the mermaid tails for compliance after the warning was issued.

"Children should be at least six, be a good swimmer, have adult supervision and perhaps they will need a lesson first on how to use the tail," Maher said.

"Lots of kids want this product this year for Christmas, we want parents to know the risks. It's a time of year where parents should be extra vigilant... and educate their whole family. Parents should be conscious of what they are giving their older children because their younger children might want to get their hands on whatever it is to."

Image: Perth model Lauren Thomas using a mermaid tail, by The Shed Studios. Make-up by Amy Bryce.