Duke Nereidians

The Duke Nereidians, or Neredian Club, was a synchronized swimming team formed in 1930 by a group of eight students and a faculty advisor "to promote interest and efficiency in rhythmic swimming, stunts, and diving among the women students of Duke University." The team typically consisted of 35 to 50 swimmers chosen from tryouts in the fall and spring semesters. New members underwent a pledge ceremony called "Fish Day," where they were required to wear large paper fishes around their necks while carrying a glass of water and a fishing pole. The Nereidians held weekly practices, which culminated in a final performance or "water pageant" each spring, usually featuring a theme, elaborate costumes, props, and staging.