More than 600 lifesavers made waves at an Olympic venue in London this weekend when they took part in a prestigious national competition.

A record-breaking 631 competitors from across the UK and Ireland took part in the National Speed Championships 2015, run by the drowning prevention charity, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK), at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home of the 2012 London Olympics.

Former Olympic swimmer and eight times world record holder Mark Foster was guest of honour at the event, meeting athletes and even taking part in a line throw relay event.

Elouise Greenwood, RLSS UK National Participation Manager, said: “The atmosphere was electric as the athletes entered the iconic venue for the two-day event. Olympic inspiration drove outstanding performances and motivated individuals and clubs to achieve personal best times.

“The pride the athletes felt competing in this wonderful venue was clearly visible. It’s not every day you get the chance to follow in the footsteps of sporting greats at such an iconic pool.

“The Olympic legacy lived on with the Queen Elizabeth volunteers and staff who were outstanding throughout the event and we can’t thank them enough.”

The National Speed Championships, the largest event of its kind in the UK, sees lifesaving athletes aged 12 to 70 from across the UK and Ireland joining to compete for national titles in what is the only sport that has a humanitarian foundation.

The sporting competition helps promote lifesavers’ skills, knowledge and techniques and also play an important role in spreading the society’s water safety messages as the drowning prevention charity.