The aquatic centre was awash with swim caps of local clubs - from the light blue of the hosts through to the green of Coffs Harbour, the white of Bellingen and the red of near neighbours Nambucca Heads.

The mercury was arisin' and punching into the low 30s, while the skies were smokey from the Kian Rd fire at Upper Buckra Bendinni which continues to challenge local Rural Fire Service brigades.

Hundreds of people were at the pool - athletes, officials, family members, friends and the general public.

Among the keen watchers was NSW Swimming regional coaching director Chris Myers who has been working with the Macksville club for the past week.

Swimmers from as far away as Armidale were represented, while district neighbours in the likes of Kempsey, Crescent Head and Port Macquarie, the latter distinctive in their gold caps, were up for the game.

Times recorded at the Macksville pool can lead to entry for the Division 1 Area Championships at Port Macquarie at the end of November and the NSW Senior State Age titles in December, as well as the State Junior State Age, Country and National championships in 2020.

Many racers will enter multiple events, like Macksville's Declan Sutton who is down for nine starts. All up, organisers expect around 860 entries.

Declan 'the Decimator' Sutton was among those leading the charge for the hosts in the morning racing, touching first in several races.

Enjoy the gallery.

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