In a remarkable act of everyday heroism, a Chinese fisherman has been hailed as a hero after plunging into a canal to rescue a struggling 19-month-old toddler, despite admitting he cannot swim.
The dramatic incident unfolded on May 24 in Xinjian Village, Cixi City, in China's eastern Zhejiang Province, as Liu Sheng was driving home from a fishing trip.
Footage from a camera mounted on Liu's chest – which he regularly uses to film his angling adventures captures the terrifying moment he spots the tiny child in the water.
Without a second's hesitation, the brave dad-of-one pulls over, rushes to the edge of the canal and grabs hold of a nearby iron chain for support before lowering himself in.
Clinging desperately to the chain, Liu wades through the water and reaches the flailing youngster, who was wearing just a nappy. He pulls the child to safety as the tot's older sister stands crying on the riverbank.
The relieved rescuer then hands the dripping toddler over to her distraught mother, who rushes to the scene moments later.
Liu, a native of southwest China's Sichuan Province known online as 'Qiyue', has since been officially recognised by local police for his bravery. His company also awarded him a 2,000-yuan (£220/$280) bonus for his quick-thinking actions.
