Sheerness Swimming Club and Lifeguard Corps celebrate after winning the Octopus League for the first time in their history

Sheerness Swimming Club and Lifeguard Corps are making a splash after clinching the top spot in the Octopus League.

They emerged with 39 points - three points clear of their nearest rivals Croydon South - after winning four out of five galas.

Spokeswoman Zoe Swarbrick said: “This is the first time we have topped the league in the club’s history.”

Jamie Caller was named the league’s swimmer-of-the-year but Swarbrick added: “The result was a collective effort with great performances from Isabelle Savage, Sophie Gray, Bella Hill, Louis Strauss, Olly Vane, Noah Seager and team captains Sophia Stephenson and Kyle Buckley.”

The league is based at Beckenham Spa and most of the teams are from south London. Sheerness have only been in the league for four years and have made steady progress, finishing sixth in the first year, then fifth, fourth and now first.

Swarbrick added: “Thirty of our swimmers aged from nine to 18 took part in the five galas.

“Many had never taken part in competitive swimming before as pools weren’t allowed to be open to the public for 18 months because of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.”

The club, which is based at Sheerness pool and provide swimming lessons and training for all age groups from five to adults, will now try to win the League Cup on September 17.

For more details, email sheernesssc.admissions@gmail.com