A bystander spots a woman floating on the water in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province. Photo: screenshot of CCTV
A woman from Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, accidentally fell into the sea but managed to stay afloat due to the buoyancy of her down jacket, leading to her successful rescue, according to China Central Television.
Bystanders noticed her struggling in the water and promptly called for help. Within two minutes, rescue personnel arrived at the scene. They found the woman floating on her back, her down jacket providing essential buoyancy.
The timely rescue ensured the woman was unharmed. Her composure in the water helped her conserve energy and buy crucial time for the rescuers.
The rescue team highlighted the need to remain calm and breathe steadily in such situations. If the water is not frozen, it is crucial to use any available floating objects — such as backpacks, plastic containers, foam boxes, or clothing — to keep the body afloat. Additionally, calling for help and using brightly colored items to signal rescuers can aid in being spotted.
If someone falls through ice, rescuers recommend lying flat on the ice, using their hands to carefully push against the ice surface while crawling to safety. Once out, individuals should roll away from the weakened area to safer ground.
Global Times