THE region's ongoing poor air quality has claimed another victim with local swimming clubs forced from the pool.
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Ongoing bushfires around the state have covered Tamworth and surrounding areas with a thick blanket of smoke haze, which has lead to breathing difficulties for some athletes.
The conditions became so bad on Sunday the Kootingal-Moonbi Swimming Club had to cancel its annual swimming carnival.
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Boasting a record number of entries, the club took to social media to apologise for the cancellation.
"Thank you all for your understanding and patience, as it was not the outcome we wanted - but the health and safety of the swimmers, parents, spectators,technical officials and pool staff is the main priority," the post read.
"Unfortunately we cannot control the weather.
"Fingers crossed by the time the March carnival rolls around, that NSW has seen some rain to put out the bush fires and end this horrible drought.
"Kootingal - Moonbi Swimming Club would like to thank Josh Karp at SNSW and Swimming Australia for their quick response and understanding of our situation."
The conditions have also forced Tamworth Regional Council to implement a new policy regarding air quality.
The new policy states if Tamworth's air quality exceeds 220 on the Air Quality Index, local pools will be closed.
The council also took to social media to announce the new policy.
"At 220 AQI, council closes its pools to protect the health of both its staff and swimmers," the post read.
"This is why South and West Tamworth War Memorial Swimming Pool and Kootingal War Memorial Swimming Pool were closed yesterday [Tuesday].
"Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of our staff and swimmers."
Poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks and other breathing and health complications.
In recent days, Tamworth's air quality has hovered at 255, but is expected to improve in the coming days.