Heroic Rescue on a Frozen Lake
A 13-year-old girl in China has been praised as a heroine after risking her life to save a four-year-old boy. The incident occurred on December 6 in Tongxin County, northwest China. During this time, the region experiences harsh winter conditions, and local lakes had frozen over.
The toddler was playing on the ice when he stepped onto a weak spot. Immediately, he fell through a hole into the freezing water. Meanwhile, his mother, terrified, waited on the shore for rescue workers to arrive.
A Child Steps in to Help
At that moment, the 13-year-old girl appeared and offered her help. She told the mother, Auntie, let me go and save him. Without hesitation, she picked up a pipe and began crawling across the icy surface.
However, the ice cracked under her weight, and she also fell into the freezing water. Fortunately, firefighters reached the scene quickly and pulled both children out. Afterwards, they wrapped the girl in blankets to help her warm up, as the water temperature was around minus 5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).
Despite her ordeal, the girl quietly left the scene without giving her name. As a result, her humility added to the admiration she received from the public.
Captured in a Viral Photograph
Meanwhile, a passerby captured the moment in a photograph, which quickly went viral on Chinese social media. Consequently, the toddler’s parents publicly thanked the girl, hoping to find her and express their gratitude in person.
Through social media, the girl was later identified as Li Jia Ting, a student at a local school in Tongxin County. Her father revealed that when she returned home that day, she simply sat by the stove to warm herself, her clothes still wet from the icy water.
When he asked her what had happened, she downplayed the incident. She told him, A splash of water from a car fell on me. Only after seeing posts online did her parents realize the true extent of her bravery.
A Lesson in Courage and Safety
Li Jia Ting’s father said she has always been ready to help others. However, he stressed the importance of safety. He explained, Next time, I want her to make sure she protects herself before helping others.
Acts like Li Jia Ting’s are rare. Moreover, winter conditions in northwest China can be extreme, making frozen lakes highly dangerous. Experts warn that hypothermia can set in within minutes in icy water, even for adults.
Widespread Praise for a Young Hero
As a result, the story has received widespread attention in China and abroad. Many praised the girl’s quick thinking and selflessness. Safety experts also note that early intervention is critical in cold-water emergencies.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that children falling through thin ice is a recurring risk in northern China. Therefore, awareness campaigns urge parents to supervise children near frozen lakes and educate them about ice dangers.
In this case, Li Jia Ting’s bravery not only saved a young life but also reminded the public that extraordinary courage can come from unexpected sources. Ultimately, her story has inspired many, showing that even children can make a life-saving difference.
