Mermaid in Wells Beach

All summer, beachgoers have seen a mermaid named Lavinia sunning herself on the jetty at Wells Beach or frolicking in the waves.

For those who have wanted to meet her, she has been happy to approach or be approached by people wanting to chat with her about her life in the sea or snap photos for their vacation albums.

On land, with legs and without a tail, Lavinia is known as Julie Pichette, of Sanford. Pichette, a healthcare worker who is married with two sons, said she is a lifelong fan of ‘The Little Mermaid.’

No lessons for swimming like a mermaid were needed, according to Pichette. She said she has been swimming like a mermaid her whole life.