Sven Friedemann awarded a Royal Humane Society Award
Sven Friedemann has been recognised by the Royal Humane Society for his attempt to save the life of a kayaker on the Feeder Canal in Bristol
On the first day of racing at the British Rowing Club Championships on Friday 17 July, CEO Tom Solesbury presented the award to Sven Friedemann, who was recognised by the Royal Humane Society and with a Combined Testimonial on Parchment and Resuscitation Certificate for Bravery and Resuscitation, in recognition of his attempt to save the life of a kayaker on the Feeder Canal in Bristol on 12 April 2025.
Sven was on a coaching launch that had suffered engine failure and was working to restart it when he saw a kayaker capsize about two metres from the bank. He knew the kayaker to be competent and, seeing him get his head above water and partially onto the floating kayak, continued his efforts to restart the engine. Moments later, checking again, Sven saw that the man was no longer on top of the kayak but floating face down in the water. A passenger motorboat, which had not caused the capsize, was by now only a few metres away, but its crew did not appear to have noticed him.
Sven, around 20 metres from the scene, quickly swam to the kayaker. He found him unconscious and pulled him to the bank, keeping his head above the water throughout. Once ashore, Sven began giving rescue breaths. He was joined within seconds by an off-duty doctor who had been travelling as a passenger on the motorboat, and then by another bystander who helped with chest compressions. The three delivered CPR in relays until an ambulance arrived and paramedics took over.
The kayaker’s heart was beating when he was taken to hospital, but he sadly died later that day.
The kayaker was a prominent member of Bristol Canoe Club which expressed its gratitude to everyone who tried to help at the scene. Sven received considerable emotional support from his own club afterwards, particularly from its junior coaches.
The Royal Humane Society is a charity that grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life. Founded in 1774, it recognises people who have contributed to the saving or attempted saving of life. A Combined Testimonial on Parchment and Resuscitation Certificate is awarded for cases combining bravery in a rescue with sustained efforts at resuscitation.
Sven was nominated for an award by our Honorary Rowing Safety Adviser, Stephen Worley who said “Sven’s actions were exemplary; he did everything he could to save the kayaker’s life. He is an inspiration to rowers and coaches everywhere”.
