Hundreds of competitors from across the UK and Ireland are set to head to the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS UK) most prestigious sporting event – the National Speed Championships 2014.

The athletes will join some of the UK’s leaders in lifesaving sport and members of the GB and Northern Ireland team to fight it out for the title of National Champion in a number of the competition’s events.

Squads will compete at Sheffield’s International Sport Centre’s Olympic-sized pool, Ponds Forge, on March 8 and 9. Many of whom will be attempting to qualify for the World Lifesaving Championships to be held later this year in France.

Each year more than 500 athletes are pushed to the limits in events including Super Lifesaver, Manikin Carry and Line Throw, to name a few.

RLSS UK’s National Sports Development Officer, Elouise Greenwood, said: “This is the highlight of the sporting calendar for us and teams have been training tirelessly in preparation for the event.

“We are extremely proud of the event and all those that take part and can’t wait to see clubs from across the country battle it out in what is a highly competitive but thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

“This sport is growing all the time and here at the RLSS UK, we intend to focus efforts on growing the sport and supporting athletes in any way we can, for this event and into the future.”

The RLSS UK’s National Speeds Championships helps to promote lifesavers’ skills, knowledge and techniques and also plays an important role in spreading the society’s water safety messages as the drowning prevention charity.

The Lord Mayor of Sheffiled, Coun Vicki Priestley, will be attending the event at 11am on the Saturday (March 8) and awarding a selection of record-breaking medals.