Third-generation deluge fighter keeps watch on dikes in Wuhan

His grandfather, Zhou Songlin, 84, also played a similar role in 1954 when the peak level of the Yangtze reached 29.73 meters, the river's highest recorded water level in Wuhan.

A good swimmer, he worked at his post from June to October, patrolling the dike and also diving into the water to check for leaks.

"I remember I had to swim at least 1,000 meters in the river during a two-hour check," the grandfather said.

Zhou Jiahe said it was only natural that he followed in their footsteps.

"In the past, it was my father and my grandfather that protected our home. Now it's my turn," he said, adding they were very supportive when he signed up for the volunteer work.

Nan Cheng, Party chief at Wuhan Linsheng Investment Group which organized the patrolling work for Wujin dike, said volunteers like Zhou's family are not rare.

"For us growing up near the Yangtze River, patrolling dikes is a common thing," Nan said, explaining that many members of a family, such as couples and brothers and sisters, had wanted to sign up for the work this summer. "Everyone in Wuhan feels it is our duty to guard our home."