And they were off propelling themselves through the water at a great rate of knots like sharks in a feeding frenzy.

Last week, Hillvue Public School, made the short trek to Tamworth Town Pool for a fun filled day of swimming competitions, and what a fantastic day it was.

Beautiful clear skies, manicured pool grounds, colourful marquees, the smell of food wafting from the canteen, excited children, keen parents and eager staff all ready for a joyous day of celebrating the student's ability to dive, swim, have a go and encourage one another in a sport that can be tiring, threatening and embarrassing.

During the carnival it was a delight to see such enthusiasm from the students wanting to compete in various swimming events whether they were winners or not.

The spectators cheered, screamed with excitement and yelled out words of encouragement - motivating the swimmers to cover the length of the pool in record time.

The stopwatches were kept busy as the swimmers, in unison, touch the wall in astonishing record breaking times.

First or last, the students turned up for event after event before some novelty events wrapped up the successful day.

It was encouraging for the parents to witness such participation from their children and students from eight to 13 years old hopping into the pool and being encouraged to do their best.

The success of the day goes to the parents and community members because days such as these wouldn't be as rewarding if it wasn't for the assistance, presence and participation of our school communities.

The results of this wonderful and well organised swimming carnival, will allow some students to move onto the Zone Swimming Carnival to be held in Tamworth.

An extra special thanks goes to the wonderful staff who put in the many hours preparing paperwork, meeting WHS requirements, booking venues and buses, setting up in the morning and packing up in the afternoon. This dedication ensured the day ran smoothly, and the events included all students.