It was great to see competitors, clubs and volunteers from across our Society coming together for this prestigious event. The pandemic influenced all our lives, but we were able to get back to Lifesaving Sport at the end of 2021 for a highly successful Lifesaving Sport Challenge competition in Leeds and this was continued for the National Speed Championships in March this year.

The event kickstarted on Saturday with the 50m manikin carry, and saw other events such as obstacles and the line throw before moving on to the Sunday session.

Sunday saw events such as the 100m manikin carry, along with the various relays.

There were some fantastic performances throughout the weekend including Thomas Leggett from Belfast Olympia who broke 4 individual records.

Beacon Ladies Masters Team (Paula Willison, Kim Fenner, Jane Hand and Di Christmas) who broke 2 Speeds records in the Relays.

Blyth Ladies open team (Cadie Chandler, Ellie Dickerson Weedy, Sam Carpenter and Lauren Gordon) who broke the rope relay.

Thank you to all of the parents, supporters, coaches, team managers, officials and volunteers who attended the weekend; without you all, this fantastic event would not be possible. Also, thanks to Scuba Dive Superstore, for their generous provision of air cylinders during the whole event, and to Signs R Us for their support.

Looking ahead we now eagerly await the Lifesaving World Championships in Italy during September and October this year, along with the National Lifesaving Championships in Leeds in November.

We have also set the date for the next National Speed Championships – 11-12 March 2023, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield, so make sure you save the date!

Another great event for your diary is the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships which will take place in Ontario, Canada between 13-17 September 2023.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the events in the near future!