A SEA swimming event will bring a water polo tournament to Lyme Regis when the event returns for a second year in August.

Lyme Splash, an open water sea swim from Lyme Regis to Charmouth and the water polo championships, will both take place on Sunday, August 13 - coinciding with Lyme Regis Carnival week.

The water polo will be held at the back of The Cobb Centre in ‘The Pool’ between the pontoons.

Water Polo has been played on and off at Lyme Regis since 1906, according to recent research by the Lyme Regis Museum and harbour master Graham Foreshaw was keen to reinstate it.

Karen Durham-Diggins, chairman of Lyme Splash, said: "Lyme Splash is delighted to add another sea inspired event to the calendar this year.

"Our open water sea swim is in its second year and we hope we can make the water polo championship a regular event too. Once again our wonderful sponsors and volunteers have stepped up – without whom this event couldn’t take place.”

More teams are needed to take part in the championships - either an experienced team or beginners as the games will be played in two leagues, 'splash' for beginners and 'dash' for more experienced players, so everyone can enjoy the championships. Teams need to have a minimum of seven players; a goalie and six fielders although 11 members is usually advised so that substitutes can be brought on to give players a rest.

Team can take advantage of coaching sessions by the Bridport Barracudas in the sea at Lyme Regis and in their pool with details due to be released soon.

Benji’s Buoys, a team from the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, have already signed up to take part.

Yvonne Green, boat building academy principal, said: "They are now on a rigorous pre-tournament training regime.

"I am proud that they represent the academy and expect their total victory to be a swim over.”

The main sponsor, Baboo Gelato, who have recently opened a new kiosk overlooking the Cobb, has really got behind the event, providing the infrastructure needed, winners t-shirts and edible prizes.

Annie Hanbury, owner of Baboo Gelato, said: “As a new business to Lyme Regis, we’re incredibly excited to be able to sponsor the rebirth of Lyme’s historic water polo competition.

"We expect it’ll become a core feature of the Lyme calendar, and we hope to be associated with it for years to come. We’re impressed by the efforts of so many dedicated people to make this happen: it’s a real tribute to the civic spirit that we come across so often in Lyme.”

For more information and to register a water polo team, visit lyme-splash.com