Budding young Bay of Plenty swim stars have honed their swimming skills under the watchful gaze of New Zealand swimming elites, following a special three-day camp.

The coveted Jetstar Super Swim Squad brings together 36 youngsters from around New Zealand for the annual camp.

Those representing the Bay of Plenty include Liam Shanahan, Talitha McEwan, Hayley Fowler, Danielle Fowler, Grace Richardson, Ryleigh McEwan, Poppy Richardson, India-Rose Scholes, Henry Scholes and Sheldon Hogan.

The swimmers qualified for a place in the squad by winning their age group in the 200m OceanKids event at one of six qualifying events in the Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series over summer.

The youngsters have been mentored by a stellar coaching line up headlined by three-time Olympian Dean Kent.

Dean was also supported by Olympic swimmer and canoeist Steven Ferguson, Commonwealth Games swimmers Laura Quilter and Ellen Quirke, and respected surf lifesaving swim coach Jack Gavin.

Lauren Boyle also made an appearance at the camp as a guest coach.

Lauren retired in 2017 as New Zealand's most successful female swimmer. She secured 14 international medals during her career including five world championship medals and the 2014 Commonwealth Games 400m freestyle crown.

The aim of the camp is to back New Zealand's future swim stars by offering expert tuition to develop their technical skills and help them to build confidence by providing an opportunity to meet and talk with a range of high-performance athletes.

This will be the sixth season that the Jetstar Super Swim Squad has supported New Zealand's young swimming talent and their families at the national swim camp.

Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series event director Scott Rice says the promising young swim stars who come through the camp always leave with big smiles on their faces and feeling motivated about their future swimming careers.

'It's inspiring to see the next generation excited about the sport and it continuously leaves me in no doubt that New Zealand's swimming future is in good hands.”

Head of Jetstar New Zealand Daniel Banens says the Jetstar Super Swim Squad was created with the aim of nurturing young swimming talent.

'The squad provides these young swimmers with a true once in a lifetime experience. They train alongside their swimming role models and learn from their peers. We're very proud to have supported the camp over the past six years.”

Father of Bay of Plenty Squad member Liam Shanahan, Tony Shanahan, says it's a great opportunity.

'The squad is a fantastic initiative to give kids from both pool and ocean swim backgrounds the chance to improve their swimming techniques.

'It's such a rare opportunity for kids to actually be able to train and swim alongside Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimmers and it is an unforgettable experience.

'This is Liam's final year after six years and he always loves meeting and collecting signatures from the coaches.”

Liam says he's enjoyed his part in it all.

"I love swimming in the pool and the best part is when the coaches jump in and swim with us. It's cool to race against them and learn from them.”