In 2018, Anna Haskell began a one-of-a-kind mermaiding experience in Sussex, England. With the help of Fin Fun’s Mermaid University resources and her own creativity and experience, Anna has helped dreams come true for dozens of swimmers in a magical way as they swim in front of a beautiful Arundel Castle backdrop.
This year, however, Anna has decided to take on a new challenge: swim for 12 consecutive hours in a mermaid tail.
A world record attempt for charity
While the world record attempt has made a splash worldwide, the main purpose for the swim is to raise money for two Sussex-based charities including the Arundel and Download Community Leisure Trust (ACT) and the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice organization.
Anna chose these two charities based on their ability to provide fun and safe facilities for swimming and leisure in the Sussex area.
“Arundel Lido gave me my first ‘big break’ as a mermaid instructor,” Anna recalled. “Mermaid swimming is quite rare in the UK and I cannot wear my tail at a local pool. Arundel Lido has sponsored my mermaid swimming and teaching and I want to thank them by raising money for new changing rooms as part of Project LEAP.”
Arundel Lido sits at the base of one of England’s most beautiful castles and is one of the few outdoor pools in the United Kingdom. The changing rooms are currently outdoor huts, so Anna hopes to raise enough to improve the situation by building heated-indoor changing areas.
An event for the whole community
During her attempt, Anna will be opening the pool for one-hour slots to give the community, her swim students, and fellow mermaid instructors a chance to join her in the cause. The event will also be open for spectators to watch and support Anna complete the challenge.
The world record attempt will be held on Sunday, September 22, at Arundel Lido in Arundel, West Sussex, England between 7:00 am to 7:30 pm.
“It’s been great to see the community support me in my charity attempts and I hope the challenge will result in lots of donations!” Anna said.
If you’re interested in helping Anna reach her goal, you can visit southcoastmermaids.com to learn more about the event and donate to help mermaid dreams continue around the world.