Young Sandwell lifeguards prepare for national competition
Sandwell junior lifeguards are training hard for the 'National Speed Lifesaving Championships' in March 2026 – after finishing eighth overall last year on their debut.
Officially called ‘Speeds 26’ it’s the largest competition of its kind in the UK and will see 500+ lifesaving athletes and some 40 teams aged 12+ from across the UK and Ireland competing for national titles in what is the only sport that has a humanitarian foundation.
After well-attended introductory training events during the school holidays, the squad (made up of youngsters from the *Kore Wellness facilities in Tipton, Wednesbury and Smethwick) are now meeting for two hours every Sunday at the renowned Sandwell Aquatics Centre and preparing for the different speed races.
Each training event consisted of two parts - the classroom elements focused on team building and communication skills, first aid and CPR, plus water safety, while the pool element then concentrated on the competitive side of lifesaving - manikin tows, rope throws and using fins and torpedo buoys.
Kore Sandwell Swimming Coordinator, Mitchell Davis, says: “The attendance numbers have been up and the parent feedback exceptional, with many commenting on the positive effect it’s having on their children – building confidence, social interaction, communication skills and working as a team.
“The boys and girls teams last year did us and the region proud, but training is going very well and we’re hoping to do even better in the 2026 National Speed Lifesaving Championships – especially since it’s being held on home turf again at the world-class Sandwell Aquatics Centre that we’re so lucky to have on our doorstep.”
In November 2025, six local youngsters also volunteered as ‘casualties’ for the alternative National Lifesaving Championships held at Halesowen Leisure Centre. This gave them an opportunity to view how the event worked first hand - with the aim of putting another Sandwell team forward for that 2026 competition later in the year.
*Tipton and Wednesbury Leisure Centres, plus Sandwell Aquatics Centre are three of the eight leading facilities maintained and run by Black Country-based Kore Wellness (formerly Sandwell Leisure Trust) on behalf of Sandwell Council. Visit korewellness.co.uk
