Mermaid performances have become a popular form of entertainment at aquariums, drawing lots of attention and love from audiences. Those who play mermaids need to meet physical fitness standards and have diving certifications to work professionally. Even with experience, accidents or risks can still happen to these sea performers. Recently, something like this went down at a large tank in the Cresta Shopping Centre in Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, leaving millions of viewers on edge.
The story goes that Gabriela Green-Thompson was swimming around the tank performing. She even dove to the bottom, waving and blowing kisses to many spectators watching. Just seconds later, as she surfaced for air, her mermaid tail got caught on a decorative fixture, trapping her instantly. Struggling to free herself didn’t work, so she made the quick decision to tear off the tail and swim up. Thanks to her smart and timely reaction, she escaped a dangerous situation by a hair. This emergency technique is known as a “tail evacuation.”
The clip showing the mermaid rescuing herself has gone viral, racking up millions of views. Fans flooded the comments with congratulations for her quick thinking in this unforgettable “work accident.”
Mermaid tails are usually made from two materials: fabric and silicone. Most performers say fabric tails are safer because they come with a quick-release system in emergencies. Silicone tails, which feel like a second skin, take longer to remove.
