Members of the volunteer lifeguard group are from a local winter-swimming club. HUO YAN/CHINA DAILY

"The deepest part of the swimming area in Yongjiang River is more than 20 meters, but near the riverbank it is only 1 meter. This means it is very dangerous for the uninitiated, who swim too near undercurrents, get pulled out and suddenly find they don't have the strength to swim back to the bank."

Volunteers keep watch during the day and late into the evening, when swimming becomes even more hazardous.

Guo says the team receives no financial support from the local government or any business; members raise their own funds. The inclusion of the Red Cross in its name is unofficial, and it receives no financial support from the humanitarian organization, he says.

"Our group is run independently, but we are verified by the Red Cross and it has given us a lot of support, such as offering training programs (for volunteers).

"We have no figures on the number of people we have rescued," Ou says, "but we're ready to give a hand whenever anyone needs help."

In addition to providing a lifeguard service, the team also promotes safety awareness. Members organize free lessons on the riverbank for young people to learn first aid, and go into schools and community centers to offer advice on how to stay safe in and around waterways.

Most locals who swim in the river now often use flotation devices, such as lifebuoys, Guo says.

"We call them tagalongs. If the swimmers encounter a dangerous situation a tagalong can help them survive it. We teach people useful tricks like this, and more importantly we teach them not to panic, stay calm and maintain the correct position if they are in danger."

Contact the writer at renqi@chinadaily.com.cn