On November 17, a heartwarming act of heroism occurred in Lixing Village, Youjia Town, Xinhua County, Hunan Province. A 76-year-old man, Zou Tonghua, leapt into action and jumped into a pond over 2 metres deep to rescue a drowning child.

Surveillance footage showed a young boy accidentally falling into the pond and struggling desperately. At the time, Zou Tonghua was on his way to work in the vegetable garden when he heard splashing sounds from the pond in front of his house. Following the noise, he discovered the boy struggling in the middle of the pond. Without hesitation, Zou Tonghua jumped into the deep water and used all his strength to lift the child to safety, a process that took about a minute and a half.

Once they were ashore, the boy was unconscious. Zou immediately performed emergency first aid, patting the boy's back and calling his name. After about two minutes, the child gradually regained consciousness and began to cry—a sound that brought immense relief to the elderly hero. Shortly after, the boy's parents arrived, finding both Zou and their child soaking wet and shivering. They expressed profound gratitude for Zou's brave rescue.

The boy’s father, Zou Lianzhi, explained that it was a Sunday, and the boy had accompanied him to check on their cattle. Somehow, the child wandered to the pond’s edge and fell in. He expressed deep appreciation for Zou Tonghua's courage and attempted to offer a cash reward, which the elderly man politely declined. Zou Tonghua remarked that neighbours should always help each other when in need.