People enjoy their leisure time at the water area near Wuhan University in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 15, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants.
This year marks the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event. During the competition, swimmers from around the country and the world gather on the banks of the Yangtze River to race across the river. Yet behind every crossing, members of a volunteer team, the Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team, always safeguard participants' safety with passion, courage and selfless dedication.
Zhou Zhuan, 64, is a detachment captain of the Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team. This year marks his fourth time participating in rescue support work during the river crossing event. As a native of Wuhan who grew up by the river, Zhou has a deep affection for the Yangtze River. Having loved swimming for many years and wishing to contribute to the community, Zhou joined the team after retiring from work in 2017.
On regular days, Zhou and team members conduct swimming training and riverbank patrols, carry out simulated rescues, and deliver safety awareness outreach program. During the summer flood season, members of the team take turns on duty along the riverbank to respond to emergencies. Established in 2010, the team now comprises over 3,500 members and has rescued more than 1,200 people to date. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team conduct a simulated water rescue at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Zhou Zhuan (C) briefs members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team on the simulated water rescue operation at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team have a rest after training at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Participants compete during the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 16, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team conduct river-crossing training at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
A child paly at the water area near Wuhan University in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 15, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants.(Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
A member of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team conducts river-crossing training at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Zhou Zhuan, with other members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team, carries an inflatable boat ashore after a trial event before the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 9, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team carry an inflatable boat ashore after a trial event before the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 9, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Participants compete during the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 16, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
People watch on the Yangtze River Bridge as participants compete during the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 16, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Participants are pictured during the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 16, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team take inflatable boats to participate in a trial event before the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 9, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants.(Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team pose for a group photo at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Participants compete during the 51st edition of the Yangtze River crossing event in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 16, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team stand guard at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Zhou Zhuan watches as members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team conduct a simulated water rescue at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
Members of Yangtze River volunteer lifeguard team conduct river-crossing training at a park in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 10, 2026. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and its longest tributary, the Han River, Wuhan is home to 165 rivers and 166 lakes. These abundant water resources foster a deep-seated love for open-water swimming among Wuhan's inhabitants. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
