WaterWorld stunt performer hospitalised after medical emergency at USS

A stunt performer at Universal Studios Singapore’s WaterWorld attraction was taken to hospital after suffering a medical emergency during a training session at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

The incident occurred on 19 May during what RWS described as an off-show training session involving performers engaged for the attraction.

The performer was allegedly in the attraction’s show pool around the time the medical emergency occurred.

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered before the performer was transported to hospital.

Responding to media queries, an RWS spokesperson confirmed that the individual involved was a performer engaged by an appointed vendor operating the WaterWorld attraction at Universal Studios Singapore.

His fellow performers noticed he was in distress and rendered immediate assistance. Emergency services were subsequently called to the scene.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at 30 Sentosa Gateway at approximately 10:35 a.m. on 19 May.

SCDF confirmed that one person was conveyed to Singapore General Hospital by ambulance.

RWS said it was unable to provide additional details regarding the performer’s medical condition out of respect for the individual’s privacy and family.

“Our thoughts are with the performer and his family during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

The integrated resort operator also said safety procedures were in place during the training exercise.

“Safety is our priority. Training is conducted with safety protocols in place, and we are reviewing the circumstances of the incident together with the performer’s employer,” RWS said.

The company did not specify the nature of the medical emergency or whether the performer sustained any injuries linked to stunt activity or water operations.

The performer’s employer has been described as an industry leader in live-action stunt performances.

The employer had not publicly commented on the incident at the time of reporting.

The WaterWorld attraction at Universal Studios Singapore is based on the 1995 film of the same name.

The live-action show is known for large-scale stunt sequences involving pyrotechnics, water effects, high falls and simulated combat scenes performed inside a specially designed aquatic arena.

The attraction has historically been one of the park’s signature live entertainment offerings.

According to the Resorts World Sentosa website, WaterWorld is currently listed as temporarily closed until 31 December 2026.

The closure had already been in place prior to the incident and was unrelated to the medical emergency.

RWS did not elaborate on the reasons for the long-term closure.

The incident has nonetheless prompted scrutiny over performer safety during rehearsals and technical training sessions at live-action attractions.

Theme park stunt performances often involve physically demanding choreography, underwater operations and repeated high-intensity rehearsals requiring strict safety coordination.

Training exercises are commonly conducted outside public operating hours to prepare performers for complex sequences and emergency procedures.

No further information has been released regarding the performer’s recovery status.

Authorities also did not indicate whether workplace safety regulators would conduct additional reviews following the incident.