Quick CPR saves kayaker who got into trouble near Sedbergh
Emergency response praised as man recovers after kayaking accident
A kayaker who fell unconscious near Sedbergh has been saved after quick-thinking group members performed CPR.
The man was part of a recreational kayaking group near Birks on 23rd November 2025 when he got into difficulty on the water and became unresponsive.
Members of the group immediately administered CPR, which police described as “lifesaving actions.”
Once on scene, emergency services took over, using a defibrillator to deliver shocks before the man was airlifted to hospital.
Despite being in a critical condition initially and placed in an induced coma, the kayaker has since made a remarkable improvement and is now awake, talking with his family, and recovering from hypothermia and cardiac complications.
Police said the case highlights the importance of knowing CPR and basic first aid, explaining that the group’s fast response likely saved the man’s life.
“If you have the opportunity to learn CPR or basic first aid – please take it,” police urged. “When it comes to situations such as this, every second counts and the power is literally in your hands.”
The man continues his recovery in hospital.