Kayaker saved from drowning during river race

Volunteer rescue crews have helped save the life of an Irish kayaker who struggled to keep his head above water after being pinned against a pylon during a race in a fast-flowing river.

The accident occurred late last month during the annual Liffey Descent that runs over a 28km course and finishes in Dublin.

A video shot from the Leixlip Bridge shows a pair of rowers in a two-man kayak below lose control of their vessel as they approach a pylon.

The men slam into the concrete structure sideways and the kayak snaps leaving one competitor pinned against the pylon and fighting to keep his head above the water with his legs still locked inside the broken vessel.

But the kayaker doesn't need to keep the fight up for long with rescuers strategically placed on the bridge to prevent just such a scenario.

Footage shot from a helmet-mounted camera shows one of the rescuers abseil down the bridge.

"This is just one of the heroic acts by 1st Dublin (LHO) and 160th Ardlea venture Scouts who have been working with an Irish Cave Rescue Organisation team member providing rescue support at Leixlip Bridge every year for the last 8 years," a comment on a Facebook post of the video reads.

"A big thanks and shout out to all 150 people who provide safety and rescue for the Liffey Descent participants every year, including river rescue crews, the divers and the Irish Red Cross, the Liffey Descent would not be possible without you. Thank You."