Want to embrace your inner Ariel?

A school that teaches students how to swim like the Little Mermaid opened in Toronto over the weekend.

AquaMermaid opened its Toronto school on Sunday, offering classes to sea-nymph wannabes at the Jimmy Simpson Recreation Centre in Leslieville.

Classes are offered at the aquatic centre at 870 Queen St. E., just west of Carlaw Avenue, for $60 plus tax. The hour-long trial class includes the cost of tail rental, and lessons on how to stay afloat. Students are taught a combination of synchronized swimming and regular swimming techniques while sporting a "realistic" mermaid tail made of stretch fabric.

"AquaMermaid is an artistic expression and a fun way to keep fit," the company's website says.

"It is a new discipline where you learn how to swim like a fish using both legs as a fish tail and using your core muscles to propel forward."

Ten-class sessions are available for $300 for children and adults, and can be purchased online. The school also offers memberships and party packages.

The classes are taught by instructors who are trained as lifeguards, synchronized swimming teachers, and aqua-fitness trainers. Tails are available for purchase through the school.

AquaMermaid opened its first school in Montreal earlier this year and plans to open another in Ottawa this summer, following a growing international trend that stretches from the United States to the Philippines. Mermaid tails have been on the market for a few years, with prices ranging from $30 to more than $100. The neoprene tails have recently been popping up at Canadian pools, but the swim accessories have been banned in some cities where officials say they could be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.

Edmonton banned tails in city pools in April, saying that swimming with a fin can promote breath-holding, which can lead to blackouts.

Fins are not allowed during public swim times in Surrey, B.C., and in Calgary, swimmers must complete a test before being allowed to use the tails in public pools.

Eric Browning with Fin Fun Mermaid, a U.S. company that produces mermaid tails, told The Canadian Press his company had never heard of any tail-related blackouts.

The site recommends adult supervision, but says the products meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements.