IPSWICH Life Saving Club member Olivia De’Ath finished an impressive sixth place at the Great East Swim at Alton Water, on Sunday.

Olivia swam half a mile in 11m 34s and was one of 16 club members that swam varying lengths, the others being one mile and two miles.

In preparation, club members had been swimming in the sea since the start of May, experiencing much colder and rougher water, making Alton Water seem very calm and warm.

Mark Oxford finished 17th in the two mile course, before taking on the half mile event using butterfly.

As well as swimming, the club supplied lifeguards for the day, assisting people in and out of the water and out on rescue boats.

“We have been supporting the event since it started in 2009 with lifeguards, and all give up their time for free, to allow the people of Suffolk and further afield to have a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Rhona Stockman who co-ordinated the club members.

As well as those swimming, members Alison Pugh, Megan Pugh, Terry Cloud, Sue Rust, Caroline Rust and Nicola Humphrys, assisted during the day.

For details of joining the Fore Street-based club, which runs on Fridays from 7pm, please call 07981 273232 or visit the club. Members can be taken from ages 10 upwards, and the club runs courses in all aspects of Lifesaving.