If you thought mermaids were just the lively imaginings of lonely sailors then think again. Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida is training ordinary women to be real-life sea goddesses.Picture: Ocala Star-Banner/Landov/Barcroft Media

 They have begun offering in-depth training to ladies who want to become underwater performers - including swimming with a tail.Picture: Ocala Star-Banner/Landov/Barcroft Media

 Women from across America have flocked to the tiny town of Weeki Wachee - which is home to just nine people - to learn the trade of a mermaid. Above, a mermaid camper floats over the deep hole of Weeki Wachee.Picture: Ocala Star-Banner/Landov/Barcroft Media

 Ami Ji Schmid (right) helps mermaid Mikki Schulze with her make upPicture: Ocala Star-Banner/Landov/Barcroft Media

Mermaid campers Guesna Dohrman (left) and Susan Smiley-HeightPicture: Ocala Star-Banner/Landov/Barcroft Media

For a $350 (£225) fee they will be taught to perform underwater balletPicture: Ocala Star-Banner/Landov/Barcroft Media

  Mermaid Camper Mikki Schulze feeds a friendly turtlePicture: Ocala Star-Banner/Landov/Barcroft Media