Swim team kicks off season this weekend

The Columbia Falls swim team kicks off its season this weekend with a meet in Hamilton.

The team started practice at the city pool this week and has held “dry land” practices since the beginning of May.

While the team is competitive, the program also provides a great way to get youths involved in swimming sports, as it serves youths from age five through high school.

Under league rules, swimmers can only practice and compete in open-air pools during summer months. The season runs through the summer and wraps up with the state meet in Conrad on Aug. 2-3.

The team is led by Deidre Loyda, who coached the squad last year as well. The team’s home meet is scheduled for July 19-20.