'Dream Job': Florida hiring mermaids for state's only spring-fed waterpark

Photo by Uncovering Florida, Cassie Douglas

Looking for a job, or wanting to live out your wildest 'Little Mermaid' dreams? Now might be your chance! Florida's only spring-fed waterpark, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, is hiring mermaids through the state later this month for their elaborately themed underwater shows.

You'll want to be sure you have some experience holding your breath for long periods of time and are strong when swimming with a mono-fin, as the state-park job will require you to swim against currents that are strong enough to knock a scuba diver's mask off, and at about 16 to 20 below the surface in water that's a crisp 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Those hoping to apply must be 18 years of age or older and will need to submit their resume, a headshot, and a completed Florida employment application, linked here, to [email protected].

Once submitted, you'll want to mark your calendar for Friday, June 30 at 8 am, when open auditions will be held for the role. The job offers aspiring mermaids the chance to get their tails wet and be a part of the rich history of the park.

Speaking of history, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1940s.

The park opened in 1947 and gained its initial fame through these synchronized underwater mermaid performances in crystal-clear waters, captivating tourists from around the world before rising to its popularity as a public attraction in the mid-20th century.

The park's name, Weeki Wachee, was given by the Seminole Indians, meaning "little spring" or "winding river" — a fitting nickname for the Weeki Wachee River, which winds 12 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. And as one of the deepest, naturally formed underwater limestone caverns in the U.S. with a basin that's 100 feet wide, it's said that the bottom has never been found.

In 1987, Weeki Wachee was officially designated as a state park, ensuring its preservation and continued operation for many years to come.

Today, the park serves as a diverse hub for eco-adventures, including tubing, kayaking and canoeing, swimming, wildlife spotting, and whizzing down their waterslides alongside the mermaid shows that made them famous — making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists alike.
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Not so sure about becoming a mermaid but want to catch a show or take a dip in their crystal clear waters? You can find Weeki Wachee Spring State Park at 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill Florida, open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. You can plan your trip on their website here.
Article by Rachael Volpe