Man, 32, rescued from waters off VivoCity, gets apprehended under Mental Health Act

A 32-year-old man filmed swimming in waters off VivoCity shopping mall on Nov. 2 night was rescued and later apprehended.

In response to Mothership's queries, the police said they received a call for assistance at 1 Harbourfront Walk at about 10:20pm.

The man was apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008.

No injuries were reported, the police said.

Responding to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they received a call for a water rescue at about 9:30pm.

A video posted to Facebook showed the topless man conscious, swimming and glancing back at the shore, while seemingly holding an item in his arms.

Swimming close to boardwalk

In the video, a Police Coast Guard vessel was seen with its searchlight on, scanning the waters for the man who hovered near the boardwalk.

Firefighters and police also lined the boardwalk.

The person was rescued by the Police Coast Guard using a life buoy before SCDF's arrival, said the SCDF.

SCDF assessed the person for minor injuries, and the person declined to be sent to the hospital.

Section 7 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 enables the police to apprehend any person believed to be a danger to themselves or others.

Helplines:

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:

National mindline.sg Hotline: 1771 (24 hours)

National mindline.sg WhatsApp: 66691771 (24 hours)

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019