Chinese netizens recently took to social media to praise a People's Liberation Army soldier from Shangqiu, Henan province, for his courageous act of jumping into a lake five times to save five people from drowning, Xinhua News Agency reported.

On June 6, Zhang Wei, 36, a serving officer in the military, who was on leave, was taking a walk with his mother by a lake at his hometown when he suddenly heard cries for help.

He immediately rushed to the location and found a woman and a man struggling in the water, while three others who tried to assist, ended up slipping into the lake, also putting themselves in danger.

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Without a moment's hesitation, Zhang plunged into the water.

He swam to the woman first, recognizing that she was in the worst situation. Her fear and tension made it difficult for her to cooperate with Zhang, which exhausted him.

However, after dragging the woman ashore, Zhang immediately returned to the water without catching his breath.

"In the race against time, I felt like competing in a 100-meter-sprint," Zhang, who has marine training experience, later recalled.

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After saving four people one after the other, Zhang's mother noticed that he looked pale and was gasping for air. Out of consideration for her son's safety, she tried to stop him from saving the last person.

But seeing that the man was about to be overwhelmed by water, Zhang kneeled down to his mother and said "I'm fine. Let me save one more."

After saving the last person, Zhang collapsed from exhaustion and was rushed to the hospital.

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He was discharged from hospital on Tuesday after receiving treatment.

The five people also visited Zhang at the hospital and expressed their gratitude.

"I just did what I needed to do. I am a soldier. It is our duty to protect the people," said Zhang.

According to the report, Zhang has performed well since joining the army in December 2006. He has been awarded a third-class merit twice, and also received a commendation and recognition once.

In recognition of his bravery, the local government awarded Zhang 50,000 yuan ($6,960).