The National Speed Lifesaving Championships are always a highlight in the Lifesaving Sport calendar, and this year was certainly no different. It was fantastic to see competitors, clubs and volunteers from across our Society coming together for this highly competitive event.

This year, we were excited to host Speeds at a brand new venue – Liverpool Aquatics Centre - not far from the 

vibrant city centre. Hopefully those who attended were able to take in a few sights and make use of the exclusive discount codes featured within the event programmes.

The venue was originally built to support athletes preparing for the London 2012 Olympic Games and it seems our own athletes took inspiration from this as the performances we witnessed were exceptional.

The event started bright and early on Saturday with a 7.15am warm-up in preparation for the events to commence at 8.30am. First up were the Manikin Carry and Relay events, followed by the hotly-anticipated Medley Relay and Invitation Rescue Medley for the Youth and Open categories. Obstacles and Line Throw events dominated the afternoon.

More Manikin Carries commenced on the Sunday morning followed by an exciting Super Lifesaver which was won by Heather Watson and Luke Waterfall; both of Ripley RASCALS, and Pool Lifesaver Relay events. In the afternoon we saw the Manikin Tow followed by more relays to close the competition.

There were some fantastic performances throughout the weekend including P Dawes from Bournemouth LSC and J Blaby from Loughborough Students who both broke records in their categories during the 50m Manikin Carry.

The 200m Obstacles was also a record-breaking event with new top times set by D and T Leggett from Belfast Olympia, and I Wilson from East Kilbride LSC.

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.

Looking ahead we now eagerly await the European Lifesaving Championships in Poland and Belgium this summer, along with the RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Canada!

Of course, Nationals will be taking place in November too so we hope to see you there.