Why do girls legs appear shorter in water?

Girls' legs may appear shorter in water due to the optical illusion created by refraction, which occurs when light bends as it passes from air into water. This bending distorts the visual perception of depth and length. Additionally, the buoyancy of water can mask some of the body's contours, further contributing to the perception of shorter legs. The contrast between the submerged and above-water portions also plays a role in this visual effect.