Britain’s Lifesavers return back to fight for national title in Olympic grounds

Athletes aged between 12 and 78 will join members of the GB and Northern Ireland lifesaving team in competing for the titles including National Champion and to break national records.

The weekend’s event will see athletes battle it out to see who is the quickest using real water rescue techniques including manikin carry, line throw and obstacle races, with both individuals and teams competing.

This is the second year running the Championships will be held at the Olympic venue in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with around 150 RLSS UK volunteers and Park Champion Volunteers hoping to make it another success.

Di Steer, RLSS UK Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are particularly excited that Speeds 2016 is being held at the London Aquatics Centre again, after the success we had at the venue last year, and can’t wait to see as athletes push themselves for places on the Great Britain team as well as national titles.

“The event, which is the largest of its kind in the UK, is sure to be a great success as always with lifesaving athletes from across the UK and Ireland joining to compete for national titles in what is the only sport that has a humanitarian foundation.

“At this event last year, 25 national records were broken and we hope more will be broken this year.”

The National Speed Championships help 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.

Members of the public are invited to see this unique sport in an Olympic setting, learn about water safety and take part in family fun activities.

Entrance to the event is £2 per person.