In recent days, Wuhan has experienced continuous high temperatures, leading to a noticeable increase in water activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking around the Yangtze River Bridge, Gutian Bridge, and Qingchuan Bridge. However, these waters are frequented by ships, posing significant safety risks. In response, multiple departments, including the Wuhan Water Police and the Water Transport Law Enforcement Team, have jointly launched awareness campaigns urging citizens to stay away from dangerous waters and prioritize their safety.

Water police officers have been actively advising swimmers to avoid high-risk areas.

Since the start of summer, many swimming enthusiasts in Wuhan have chosen to swim in the Yangtze River. On the busy main shipping lane, groups of swimmers can often be seen sharing the water with cargo ships. Some ignore ship horns, and others even attempt to cross paths with vessels, creating dangerous situations.

On the afternoon of August 2, officers from the Wuhan Water Police boarded patrol boats No. 102 and No. 111 for their routine river patrol. During the patrol, officers used loudspeakers to warn swimmers to stay out of the shipping lanes for their safety. Swimmers responded by signaling “OK” before safely moving away.

Near the confluence of the Han River and the Yangtze River, officers advised swimmers in shallow waters not to venture into deeper areas. “During flood season, the river currents are strong, and hidden rocks, whirlpools, and undercurrents can pull people underwater,” explained one officer. Ships also create powerful suction that can drag swimmers beneath them, while propellers spinning at high speeds pose additional dangers.

At one point, officers spotted over a dozen swimmers crossing the river near the Yangtze River Bridge as a large ship approached. Patrol boats quickly moved in to guide them to safety. “Some swimmers overestimate their stamina and struggle mid-crossing,” an officer noted. In such cases, patrols assist by bringing them aboard.

As evening approached, visibility decreased, making swimming even riskier. Volunteer rescue teams patrolled key sections, using speedboats and loudspeakers to urge swimmers to return to shore. “At night, ship operators have difficulty spotting people in the water,” a team leader explained. Their efforts focus on preventing nighttime crossings.

Currently, the Yangtze River Rescue Volunteer Team consists of 43 branches with over 2,000 members. Twenty-two of these branches maintain designated watch posts along the river, operating from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Authorities have intensified anti-drowning efforts since late May, deploying additional patrols and rescue teams along high-risk riverbanks. A coordinated emergency response system has been established, involving multiple agencies to enhance water safety. Swimmers are encouraged to use designated safe zones with lifeguards, swim in groups, and wear flotation devices to minimize risks.

Yangtze River Bridge

The **Yangtze River Bridge** in Nanjing, completed in 1968, was the first double-decker bridge in China, combining road and railway tracks. It symbolizes China’s engineering achievements during the mid-20th century and was a key infrastructure project under Mao Zedong’s rule. Today, it remains an important transport link and a historical landmark along the Yangtze River.

Gutian Bridge

Gutian Bridge, located in Gutian County, Fujian Province, China, is a historic stone arch bridge with origins dating back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279). It is renowned for its elegant design and cultural significance as part of the ancient trade routes in the region. The bridge has been restored over the centuries and remains a symbol of traditional Chinese engineering and heritage.

Qingchuan Bridge

Qingchuan Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge located in Hangzhou, China, spanning the Grand Canal. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it is renowned for its elegant design and cultural significance as part of the ancient transportation network. Today, it stands as a protected heritage site, reflecting traditional Chinese bridge architecture.

Han River

The Han River is a major river in South Korea that flows through Seoul, playing a vital role in the country’s history, economy, and culture. It has served as a key transportation route since ancient times and was central to the development of Seoul as the capital during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Today, the river is a popular recreational area, featuring parks, bike paths, and scenic views, while also symbolizing modern South Korea’s rapid urbanization and growth.

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, stretches over 6,300 kilometers through China, playing a vital role in the country’s history, culture, and economy. For millennia, it has served as a cradle of Chinese civilization, supporting agriculture, trade, and transportation, while its Three Gorges Dam is now a modern engineering marvel. The river is also renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the scenic Three Gorges, and remains a symbol of China’s natural and cultural heritage.

Wuhan Water Police

The Wuhan Water Police, established in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, was one of China’s earliest modern water police forces, tasked with maintaining order and safety along the Yangtze River and its tributaries in Wuhan. Over time, it evolved to combat smuggling, manage port security, and assist in flood control, reflecting Wuhan’s strategic importance as a major inland port. Today, it remains a key part of local law enforcement, adapting to modern challenges while preserving its historical role in the city’s maritime governance.

Water Transport Law Enforcement Team

The Water Transport Law Enforcement Team is a specialized unit responsible for enforcing maritime and waterway regulations, ensuring safety, security, and environmental protection in navigable waters. Historically, such teams have evolved with increasing maritime trade and environmental concerns, often operating under national or regional transport authorities. Their duties include monitoring vessel compliance, preventing illegal activities, and responding to emergencies on waterways.

Yangtze River Rescue Volunteer Team

The Yangtze River Rescue Volunteer Team is a group of dedicated volunteers in China who risk their lives to save people from drowning in the Yangtze River. Established in response to frequent accidents along the river, the team has become a symbol of bravery and community spirit, often working alongside local authorities. Their efforts highlight the dangers of the Yangtze while promoting public safety awareness.