Mermaid Performer Faints During Live Show at Chinese...

A mermaid-themed performance at an indoor aquarium in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, took a frightening turn when a performer fainted mid-show, alarming spectators and raising questions about safety protocols in aquatic entertainment.

The incident occurred on April 25 during a routine show at Taiyuan Ocean World, a popular amusement park in North China. The performer, known only as Ms. Feng, was in full costume and swimming inside a large aquarium tank when she suddenly appeared to lose control, curling up and convulsing before sinking to the bottom.

Initially, audience members assumed it was part of the act. But when she remained motionless for over 20 seconds, concerns grew. A staff member quickly entered the tank and rescued her from the water. According to reports from Jiemian News, videos of the moment have since spread widely across social media platforms, showing the terrifying scene unfold underwater.

Following the emergency, the amusement park suspended all performances and began an internal investigation. The local emergency management bureau confirmed that the performer had been hospitalized and was under intensive care, though her condition was not life-threatening.

Early statements from park officials attributed the fainting spell to hypoglycemia—a condition characterized by dangerously low blood sugar levels. However, Ms. Feng later clarified that she did not pass out due to a medical issue, but rather because her goggles were swept off by the current, causing her to panic. In the process, her flippers dislodged, making it impossible for her to swim or stay afloat.

In an interview with China National Radio, Ms. Feng explained that her panic and inability to reach the surface led to water inhalation, which resulted in breathing difficulties and chest tightness. Doctors have since warned of a potential lung infection due to the water she may have aspirated.

Taiyuan Ocean World released an official apology on April 28, acknowledging that their initial claims about the cause of the incident were premature and unverified. “Because the incident happened suddenly, our staff responded to Ms. Feng’s remarks about hypoglycemia in the comment section very carelessly without any clear verification, which caused adverse effects,” the letter read.

The park’s management extended a formal apology to Ms. Feng and her family and pledged to reassess their internal safety measures. “We wish Ms. Feng a speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.

Local authorities have since announced a broader safety review of all water-related performances in the city. The Taiyuan Culture and Tourism Bureau stated it would inspect emergency response protocols, equipment readiness, and staff training across entertainment venues that feature aquatic acts.

Mermaid performances have grown increasingly popular across Asia, celebrated for their fantasy appeal and visual spectacle. But according to industry professionals, the role comes with intense physical demands. A seasoned mermaid coach told Jiemian News that most performances require up to 10 minutes of continuous swimming, with each breath expected to last nearly a minute. The combination of costume weight, water pressure, and precise choreography leaves little room for error.

The recent incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures to protect performers in such high-risk environments. While mermaid shows offer audiences a magical escape, the reality behind the scenes demands rigorous training, reliable equipment, and robust emergency preparedness.

For now, Taiyuan Ocean World remains closed as it conducts self-inspections and cooperates with local regulators. Ms. Feng continues to recover in hospital, with her condition reportedly stable.

Have you ever seen a mermaid performance in person?