Mermaids Hawaii To Make Big Splash At YMCA Open House

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Mermaids (and mermen) of synchronized swimming group Mermaids Hawaii kick up a storm in the pool at Windward YMCA every Sunday. They’ll also perform at 1 p.m. this Saturday during the YMCA’s open house. Photo from Alica Roberts.

Legends speak of rare and beautiful creatures that were half fish, half human. It seems that nearly every culture throughout history has its own variation of the mermaids - and so does the Windward YMCA.

Swimming in the Y pool are a group of bona fide mermaids, and mermen, who have been entertaining Hawaiian audiences since 1971. Your next chance to watch is at 1 p.m. Saturday during the Y’s Open House Show (which begins at 9 a.m. at 1200 Kailua Road). It’s all free and open to the public.

Mermaids Hawaii was founded 40 years ago by Alice Roberts and Jean Simmons as a way for water enthusiasts to get their fix. “We’re a real family group with swimmers from all walks of life,” said Roberts, who also directs them. “We like to swim anywhere there’s water.”

The two-legged, human mermaids have been calling the Y home for the last seven years after moving over the Ko’olaus from the Holiday Inn in Waikiki. They practice from 2 to 4:30 p.m. every Sunday in the “nice warm pool,” working on synchronized routines and techniques.

“It’s kind of like gymnastics to music,” Roberts said. “The real fun part is to fit into the pool and fit into the person’s theme.”

And the costumes. The retired marine science teacher added that unveiling the costumes for each new show is one of the highlights for both performers and fans.

“One performance years ago was for a woman whose husband collected frogs. We dressed all in green and performed a really fun number to The Rainbow Connection,” the 65-year-old recalled with a laugh.

The mermaids perform two big shows every year, but the volunteer organization also donates shows to charitable causes, including Hawaii Youth Symphony, Hawaii Ocean Safety Team, New Hope, Hawaii Audubon Society, Rotary clubs, Pohai Nani and the Windward Y.

“We try to do what we can for them (the Y),” Roberts said. “We’re here almost every Sunday, I’d say 50 weeks out of 52. The water’s crystal clear, and it’s heated. I’m the director, so I don’t get to go in very much, but I did recently and, oh my gosh, it was so nice.”

Mermaids Hawaii accepts new members of all ages and swimming abilities. As Roberts assured, “You’re learning the strokes, so you don’t realize you’re learning to swim. People who can’t float learn to float, and people who can’t sink learn to sink.

“I’ve always been the one who wanted to be on the bottom of the water; I’m not interested in being on the top. I was also never into speed swimming or competition. I’ve always liked the music and costumes.

“I guess I lucked out.” For more, visit http://www.mermaidshawaii.com or call 864-8122.