Medical staff in South Africa resuscitated a man whose heart stopped beating for nearly an hour following an accident while he was swimming.

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A shark spotter saw John Deeks, 35, bobbing in the water and a volunteer doctor with the National Sea Research Institute began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation allowing paramedics to take him to a nearby hospital, the Telegraph said Friday.

Deeks said he doesn't remember the event and said he thinks a wave may have got him "into difficulties."

Hospital officials said the cold water temperature contributed to Deek's survival but noted the duration of his experience was extreme.

Deeks spent several days in the hospital on a ventilator and is expected to make a full recovery.

He said it "feels great" to be brought back from the dead.