Liu Defang, who only learned to swim after retiring, rescued a man half her age who had jumped into the water in what appeared to be an attempt to end his life. Her quick action and determination brought him safely to shore, inspiring many along the way.
- 71-year-old learned swimming only after retirement
- Jumped into river to rescue man twice her age
- Video of heroic rescue went viral on social media
What happened
While visiting a bridge near her hometown in Suixi County, Anhui Province, Liu Defang heard a commotion and quickly learned a man had fallen into the water. Without hesitation, she entered the river to attempt a rescue, despite the man resisting her efforts. The man had actually jumped in himself, apparently in an attempt to take his own life, though Liu was unaware of this at the time.
With the help of a thrown life preserver, Liu managed to reach the man and pull him back to the shore, where local residents assisted in bringing him to safety. Exhausted from the exertion but focused on saving a life, Liu quietly slipped away afterward, not wanting to cause worry for her family.
Why it feels good
Liu’s courageous act is a powerful reminder that new skills can be learned at any age and that we all have the capacity to make a positive difference in emergencies. Having learned to swim only after retiring, this grandmother’s quick thinking and determination saved a younger man’s life, challenging stereotypes about age and ability.
The story touched hearts worldwide after a video of the rescue went viral on social media, with many praising Liu for her bravery. The recognition reached her family, particularly her brother, who expressed concern for her safety but ultimately reflected the deep love that inspired Liu’s quick action.
What to enjoy or watch next
This inspiring story encourages viewers to share their own experiences of overcoming fear or learning something new later in life. It’s also a call to appreciate simple acts of kindness and bravery happening quietly in communities everywhere.
For those moved by Liu’s story, follow similar heroic rescues and uplifting moments on social platforms like Good News Network, which regularly highlights everyday heroes and positive news from around the globe. Watching these stories can boost your mood and remind you that hope and courage thrive in unexpected places.