Race secretary Kerrieanne Turk said kids came from throughout the region to compete.

“We had swimmers from Gilgandra, Walgett, Coonamble, Warren, Wee Waa, Cobar, and the Dubbo clubs Orana and Swimtec,” she said.

Elizabeth Small took out the individual medley open, while Steven Kelly placed third in this event for the 13 and under boys.

Carly Kennedy came second for the 13 and under girls.

Other Lightning Ridge swimmers who did well include Patrick Small who won both the 50 metre freestyle and butterfly events for the eight years and under boys, Gyle Strasek who came first in the 25 metre backstroke for the seven years and under boys, and Katherine Small who also came out a winner in the 50 metre backstroke event for the 11 years and under girls.

Zachery, Kelsey and Mia Strasek, Alastair Wilson, Emily Turk, Douglas Nielson, Jenna Knight and Leonie Gawthorpe were all awarded places as well.

Ms Turk said at the carnival all their kids improved their personal best times in at least one stroke, and most in all strokes.

She said the carnival takes place annually and every year they ask for sponsorship.

“The committee would like to thank our sponsors for once again supporting the kids of the Lightning Ridge Swimming Club,” she said.

They are Grawin Mining Supplies, Jonas Myers Builder, Northwest Fencing, the Smith and Kelly families, Rick and Lavinia Small, the Black Opal Advocate, and Countrywide Tyres and Batteries.

“Also thank you to the volunteers on the day, especially Charles who mans the touch pad computer so wonderfully,” Ms Turk said.

“And to the judges, time keepers, barbecue staff, Kristina and Sonny who ran all afternoon, and the parents and children for making the day so successful,” she said.

The swimming club trains every Friday night at 6pm.

Ms Turk said they had 30 children from five to 12 years of age.

“Each Friday they compete to better their times and have some fun.”

“We have had a break during the holidays, except for the training leading up to the carnival and will start up again on Friday, February 8,” she said.