About 50 children turned up to see if they could beat their old records.

The time trails are held every Friday night starting at 5.30pm.

The children do not race each other but swim against themselves to try and beat their personal best times.

They receive points each time they manage to slice seconds off their time, and at the end of the year awards are presented for those who received the most points.

According to one of the coaches, Joanne Strasek, the time trials prepare the kids for both school and district swimming carnivals.

"They're gearing up for the school carnivals at the moment.

"That's what they mostly aim for," she said.

Ms Strasek said a lot of kids from the club usually went through to the district carnivals, and sometimes a few made it to the state carnival.

She said Lightning Ridge kids were at a disadvantage compared to children from other towns because the pool was only open six months of the year.

The primary school swimming carnival will be held on Friday February 13, and the secondary school carnival on February 19.

The swimming club is holding its swimming carnival on February 28, and will invite other clubs from around the region to compete.

Ms Strasek said they are always looking for sponsorship and support for the club from businesses around town.