This is the heroic moment a passersby threw lifebuoys to save a stray dog stranded in a freezing lake.

A group of locals spotted the helpless canine struggling in the icy water and immediately jumped into action to rescue the animal in Gansu, China.

Footage shows the dog floundering to keep its head above water as it desperately tries to paddle toward the bank on December 13.

Two men can be seen repeatedly hurling rubber rings toward the dog. After multiple attempts, one of the rescuers successfully landed a lifebuoy right next to the animal.

The dog managed to hook its paws over the ring, allowing the rescuers to pull it across the water and onto the safety of the icy shore.

The group can be heard cheering as they successfully retrieve the shivering dog from the freezing lake.