Hu Yanqing: life-saver
2023-11-03 19:11:00
By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio
Over the past two decades, 20 people have been saved from drowning by 46-year-old Hu Yanqing, a villager from Xihe Village, Yuan'an County.
Hu grew up near the Xi River, which has a 7-kilometer stretch in his village and is 5-6 meter deep. He started swimming there when he was six years old. In 2003, when he was working in a mine in Zhaoyuan City, Shandong province, more than 1,300 kilometers from his hometown, he was woken by a call for help from a reservoir near his dorm.
He jumped into the water and saved the person in difficulty. This was the beginning of his life saver career.
Over the next 20 years, he saved many people, refusing the monetary compensation offered by families of those rescued.
"Saving lives is a duty. Every time I jump into the water to save someone's life, it's a challenge, I know I’m risking my own life. But I have to give a helping hand when people are in trouble," Hu said.
His most dangerous moment occurred in July 2021. At a turbulent section of the Xi River, Hu heard someone in the water call for help. He jumped in but was swept forward by the fast current. His body slammed into a tree stump in the water.
Disregarding the abrasions on his body, he managed to grab the drowning man's arm and pulled him to shallow water close to the riverbank. Realizing there was another person in the water, he jumped in again and managed to save the second drowning man. However, he was then hospitalized with a lung infection from choking on the water.
Aware of the risks and dangers, Hu began patrolling a three-kilometer stretch of Xi River near his village on his own initiative. Over the past 10 years, he has helped more than 300 people out of danger.
Over the past two decades, 20 people have been saved from drowning by 46-year-old Hu Yanqing, a villager from Xihe Village, Yuan'an County.
Hu grew up near the Xi River, which has a 7-kilometer stretch in his village and is 5-6 meter deep. He started swimming there when he was six years old. In 2003, when he was working in a mine in Zhaoyuan City, Shandong province, more than 1,300 kilometers from his hometown, he was woken by a call for help from a reservoir near his dorm.
He jumped into the water and saved the person in difficulty. This was the beginning of his life saver career.
Over the next 20 years, he saved many people, refusing the monetary compensation offered by families of those rescued.
"Saving lives is a duty. Every time I jump into the water to save someone's life, it's a challenge, I know I’m risking my own life. But I have to give a helping hand when people are in trouble," Hu said.
His most dangerous moment occurred in July 2021. At a turbulent section of the Xi River, Hu heard someone in the water call for help. He jumped in but was swept forward by the fast current. His body slammed into a tree stump in the water.
Disregarding the abrasions on his body, he managed to grab the drowning man's arm and pulled him to shallow water close to the riverbank. Realizing there was another person in the water, he jumped in again and managed to save the second drowning man. However, he was then hospitalized with a lung infection from choking on the water.
Aware of the risks and dangers, Hu began patrolling a three-kilometer stretch of Xi River near his village on his own initiative. Over the past 10 years, he has helped more than 300 people out of danger.
Hu Yanqing teaches villagers about safety."Patrolling the river has become part of my life, and I will continue to do it," Hu said.
In 2021, a 30-member volunteer team was established in Xihe Village, and he became the captain. He and his team members patrol the river, always ready to rescue those in difficulty.
