Man trapped in flood says ‘I can swim’, urges rescuers to save his wife first. Internet applauds

As torrential rains devastated northern China in late July, leaving death and destruction in their wake, one powerful moment of selflessness emerged from the chaos—captured on video and now warming hearts across the internet.

In Tianjin’s Jizhou District, a husband and wife found themselves trapped inside their small eatery as floodwaters surged through the streets. With water levels reaching over a metre, the couple clung to safety while awaiting rescue, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.

When firefighters finally reached the flooded building on July 28 and threw them a life ring, the husband's priority was clear. “Save my wife first. She cannot swim,” he shouted, pushing the floatation device toward her and guiding her out into the rushing waters.

“I Can Swim. Just Save Her.”

Even as the swift current began pulling his wife further away, the man remained calm. “I am fine. I can swim. You just take her to safety first,” he insisted, standing metres away in the waist-high floodwaters.

The rescuers, not content to leave him behind, called for him to come as well. Eventually, both husband and wife were safely evacuated.

Recalling the terrifying ordeal, the husband, surnamed Liu, told reporters: “At that time, we were extremely frightened. This is the most dangerous situation we have been in since we got married more than 10 years ago. My wife cried because she could not swim. As a man, the first thing that came to my mind was to save my wife first.”

He added, “Thanks very much to the firefighters for saving us.”

Quiet Heroism

The rescue video quickly spread on Chinese social media platforms, drawing widespread praise for Liu’s composure and devotion. Comments flooded in, lauding the husband's instinct to protect his partner above all else.

“Critical moments put human nature under scrutiny. Sister, you have chosen a good husband!” one commenter wrote.

“I have come to believe in love again,” said another.

A third added: “He has set an example as a responsible man.”

Liu’s quiet act of heroism offered a rare emotional touchpoint during a period of national distress. Northern China was hit hard by unrelenting rainstorms at the end of July. Beijing recorded a year’s worth of rainfall in less than a week, resulting in at least 30 deaths. In Hebei province, a mudslide killed eight people and left four missing.