Dream Job Alert: You Can Get Paid to Be a Mermaid

0 0 Monday, February 12, 2018 Edit this post

There are some catches. And yes, that terrible pun was very much intended.

By Laura Beck, Cosmopolitan

So, yeah, I have news about your dream job, and you're welcome, in advance. (But, uh, you might want to read everything before you thank me?)

[post_ads]The Tampa Bay Times reports that a Florida resort, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, is hiring FULL-TIME MERMAIDS. The attraction first opened its water ways in 1947, and features a 400-seat underwater theater, where mermaids perform for guests. And now, a fresh batch of fish-ladies (sorry) are needed for the new year, as they're holding auditions on Jan 13 for several new additions to their #mermaidsquad.

The park say they're expecting about 50 women to come for the first part of the audition, which, honestly, sounds tough-as-hell. Potential mermaids must complete a timed, 300-yard endurance swim, where they swim both with and against the water’s current, and then tread water for 10 to 15 minutes. They'll then have to perform underwater ballet moves — including flips!

According to The Tampa Bay Times, the "underwater audition shows how 'comfortable' or 'panicky' a candidate looks behind the glass." (Side note: I'm already terrified!)

And that's just the beginning! Once you're chosen, you must do a year's worth of training, including becoming SCUBA certified to mastering the underwater routines, which includes moves like "the Ferris wheel," where the mermaid drop their breathing hoses, grab each other’s tails, and swim in a loop.

And that's not all! Mermaids must get OK with the water temperature — it's a natural spring, and it stays at about 74 degrees all year round. According to The Penny Hoarder, some mermaids emerge from the water shaking uncontrollably after a show and have to go to the “hot room” to stabilize their body tep.

And if you're still excited after all that — get ready for the pay check! Mermaids make just $10/hour and must perform 4 days a week.

No wonder Ariel wanted to be part of our world — that underwater shiz sounds downright painful! However, if you're still interested, good luck, and honestly, think of the Insta pictures! Everyone will be so jealous of your mermaid skills!