A stroke leads to fulfillment of dream to become a mermaid

When she is not traveling, The Wyoming Mermaid resides in Basin. MauRena Scott’s journey to become a certified mermaid started in 2020.

Scott contracted Covid-19 and had a small stroke. She couldn’t move her right side. “I had a friend who knew I wanted to be a mermaid since I was little. Jokingly she sent me information about a professional mermaid. The mermaid was Brandee Anthony with Mermaid Freedive.”

Scott had followed Anthony for a long time and decided to reach out. “I got a hold of Brandee she told me that if I went through the hard work to get the endurance and to be able to hold my breath for 45 seconds, she would work with me. So, I got where I could hold my breath for 45 seconds. I got my right side working again after two years.”

She worked with football coaches and rehab staffers to do so. Scott then called Anthony and said she was ready to train. She headed to Florida for PADI certification with Anthony.

While certification wasn’t easy sailing. It is grueling but Scott wanted more. She explained, “I would really like to teach people that feel like there is no hope. Those that feel like they can’t do anything. To teach them that anything is possible. If you are scared of the water, there are ways to get over the fear. Brandee has been such an inspiration to me. I would love to give that back here.” She is also teaches water aerobics at the Basin pool. 

Scott realizes a mermaid in Wyoming may seem weird since the state is landlocked. Even so, there are people that are fearful of the water and don’t know the role water played in the history of the state. She will spend time in the water with anyone.

Scott has been making public appearances, most recently at Lilac Days in Basin. In May, she appeared at Buffalo Bill State Park and swam in the Reservoir.

The mission of The Wyoming Mermaid grew a bit last year. She was at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site for a photo shoot when her tail became tangled in a fishing line with a hook left in the creek.

Conservation is now a part of her mission. “When I got tangled it dawned on me that kids, people, dogs, etc., playing in the water could have gotten tangled up as well. I’m teaching more about conservation to the young ones and why it is important. Don’t leave your fishing line, litter or put pet goldfish in waters.”

People are dumping goldfish into lakes, creeks, and reservoirs. The goldfish are not good for our waters. They grow very big and establish breeding populations. They then compete with native fish food and habitat. They can also stir up the bottom of the water and cause it to become murky. This impacts aquatic plants and other organisms. Goldfish can also carry diseases that kill trout and walleye.

This summer Scott hits the road. “Where is the Wyoming Mermaid” has appearances scheduled in Wyoming and Montana. In Wyoming she has teamed up with Wyoming State Parks.   Find her at Medicine Lodge on June 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at Hot Springs State Park, July 19, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Horseshoe Bend August 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will also be some “pop up” days. To follow, find The Wyoming Mermaid on FB and Instagram.