If someone is struggling in the water in Singapore, call 995 and alert the lifeguard or venue staff. If you are untrained in water rescue, stay out of the water. From a stable position, you may be able to throw a rescue float or reach with a long object without putting yourself in danger. SCDF water rescue advice
Give the pool name, beach sector or waterfront landmark. Tell the operator if the person is still visible or was last seen at a particular point. Once they are out of the water, tell the operator whether they respond and are breathing normally. Follow the operator’s instructions, including any guidance on resuscitation. SCDF water rescue advice · SCDF emergency medical services · SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook
- Call 995 and get a lifeguard or trained rescuer.
- Help from a safe position using a rescue float or a suitable reach aid if possible.
- Keep sight of the person or the last point where they were seen. Give responders a landmark.
On this page · The First Minute · Help From a Safe Position · What Parents Can Set Up Before Swimming · Frequently Asked Questions
The First Minute
If other people are nearby, assign direct jobs. Ask one person to call 995, another to notify a lifeguard and someone to show responders the access point. If you are alone, make the emergency call promptly. You can describe the scene and get instructions while remaining on safe ground.
How to describe a water location
At a pool, name the complex, floor and pool area. At a beach, give the beach name and nearest sign, tower, access point or recognisable landmark. Along a canal or waterfront, name the nearest bridge, path marker or building. If the person is moving or you lose sight of them, say where they were last seen and when.
Help From a Safe Position
SCDF advises untrained bystanders to stay out of the water. If you can do so from stable ground, throw a flotation aid or extend a long item such as a pole or paddle. Avoid leaning far enough to fall. In an incident with currents, waves or steep banks, tell the operator what is happening and keep your own footing. SCDF water rescue advice
After the person is out
Tell 995 whether the person responds and is breathing normally. Follow instructions on what to do next. If staff or the operator asks for an AED, have someone bring it if one is available. Drowning is an emergency even when bystanders are unsure how long the person was in the water. Tell responders what you observed and what assistance was given. SCDF emergency medical services · SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook
What Parents Can Set Up Before Swimming
Choose an adult whose job is to watch the children in the water. Make handovers explicit. Saying “You’re watching now” and hearing the reply is more reliable than assuming another adult has taken over. Follow venue rules on age, supervision and restricted areas. Sport Singapore’s water safety materials emphasise attentive supervision, including keeping young children within arm’s reach. Sport Singapore water surveillance guide · Sport Singapore sport safety
At a condo or hotel pool
Find the exact address, access gate and any posted emergency contact. Look for rescue equipment before getting into the water. If no lifeguard is on duty, ensure the adult supervising knows how to call for help and where responders should enter.
At the beach
Use the venue’s signs and lifeguard instructions to choose where to swim. Agree on a clear limit with children before they enter the water. If staff close the swimming area, use their directions. A child separated from the group should know to approach a lifeguard or staffed help point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I jump in if I am a strong swimmer?
SCDF advises anyone without water rescue training to stay out. Call for trained help and use a float or reaching aid from safety if possible. SCDF water rescue advice
What if the person is no longer visible?
Tell 995 the exact point and time they were last seen and describe any movement. Stay somewhere safe where you can direct responders. SCDF water rescue advice
Should children know where rescue equipment is?
Yes, as part of learning how to alert adults. Teach them to call for staff, identify the location and stay out of the water during a rescue.
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Child Medical Emergency in Singapore | When to Call 995, Go to Children’s A&E or See a GP
- Missing Child in Singapore | What Parents Should Do at a Mall, Station or School Pickup
- Lost Passport in Singapore or Overseas | What to Do Before Your Next Flight
- Emergency Numbers in Singapore
- Lightning in Singapore
Official guidance checked 8 November 2026.