More than 220 lifesavers from across the UK and Ireland are set to test their skills at the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) 2016 National Lifesaving Championships Finals to be held in Sheffield.

Competitors have fought their way through a number of qualifying heats to take part in the RLSS UK annual event, set to be held at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield on November 5 2016.

The competition attracts the best in UK and Ireland lifesaving who battle it out over a series of tests including a life-like emergency situation, a speed swim, tow race and a line throw rescue race.

Lifesavers are all members of the RLSS UK, the drowning prevention charity, and range in age from 12 to 76-years-old. On the day they are awarded with points based on their performances in each event and the top scorer in each age group is crowned National Lifesaving Champion.

RLSS UK’s Chief Executive, Di Steer, said: “This event is a fantastic demonstration of the passion, enthusiasm and of skills of lifesavers from across the country.

“Although this event is all about the fun, social and competitive sides of lifesaving, it is important to remember that each and every one of these competitors has the skills and knowledge to save a life in an emergency situation. Lifesaving sport is the only sport that has a humane element to it.

“We wish all participants the best of luck and are looking forward to National Lifesaving Championships 2016!”

The National Lifesaving Championship 2016 welcomes spectators and will take place on Saturday November 5 between 8am and 4.30pm when winners will receive their medals.

The mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Denise Fox, will also be attending the event.