What is Harbour Tide?

Harbour Tide is a summer league swim team. We are not a year-round, USA Swimming team. We are a voluntary, non-profit organization that exists to implement and support a competitive team for the promotion, enjoyment and participation of youth athletes who wish to compete in the Clear Creek Swim League (CCSL) summer league season. Our purpose is to encourage the love of swimming as well as develop good sportsmanship, teamwork and aquatic skill.

The team consists of approximately 125-150 swimmers ages 6-18 covering all skill levels from beginners to some of the USA swimmers. Harbour Tide competes in Division 3 of CCSL, which is currently the smallest CCSL division.

What is CCSL?

The Clear Creek Swim League, Inc. (CCSL) is a non-profit organization formed in 1964 for the purpose of sponsoring competitive and developmental swimming events and activities in and between the community swimming pools in the Clear Creek and surrounding areas. Harbour Tide is a member of the CCSL and is governed by its rules and regulations.

Member and Associate Member Pools of the league are listed at www.ccslswim.org, along with more information on the league, and results of competition throughout the season.

What is Harbour Tide’s registration fee? What does the team do with the money?

The registration fee is $170 for one swimmer, $310 for 2 swimmers, $420 for 3 or more. The fee for high school swimmers who are willing to adhere to junior coaching responsibilities is $50. We also have a volunteer fee that is earned back when you fulfill a volunteer commitment.

We use the money for coaches’ salaries, rental facilities, purchasing trophies, shirts, equipment, etc., for the team.

How does volunteering for a meet work?

We depend on volunteers to run each meet, and it takes everyone's help. We ask each family to sign up for one volunteer shift per meet, and, over the course of the season, we request at least 3 volunteer shifts for 1 swimmer and at least 5 volunteer shifts for 2+ swimmers.

There are two rounds of shifts in each meet. Any parent or family member (or friend) can volunteer on your behalf to fulfill your commitment. Volunteering might mean that you are actively working during the shift, or it might mean you are a backup volunteer. There are plenty of roles, from working in the snack bar to timing a lane to running paperwork to helping officiate a swim meet -- and we have plenty of experienced families that will help you get your feet wet.

Fulfilling your volunteer requirement also means money back in your pocket, because each completed shift gets you a portion of your volunteer dues back!

When and where is Harbour Tide’s registration?

Registration is conducted on-line, starting March 1^st. Registration does not close, but we do cap age groups as well as overall registration at 150 swimmers. We feel this is necessary to make sure your swimmer gets more specialized instruction, as well as maintain our smaller, group structure. You can find our online registration by clicking the Registration link at the top.

How old does my child have to be to join Harbour Tide?

Your child must be at least 6 years old by May 1^st in order to register. We do make exceptions to returning swimmers' younger siblings. Younger siblings must be able to complete 1 lap unassisted during the tryouts, like all Harbour Tide swimmers.

Can I get a refund if my child doesn’t enjoy it?

You can essentially consider the first two weeks of practices as a trial period. During that time, we are incurring cost to pay coaches and lifeguards, but a partial refund will be given for any swimmers who drop during the first two weeks. After the first two weeks of practice, no refunds will be issued.

If you're trying out a younger swimmer, and they can't swim the length of the pool unassisted by the end of the 2^nd week, a partial refund will be automatically issued.

What if my child doesn't know how to perform all of the strokes well?

That’s ok! The only requirement is that your swimmer must be able to complete 1 lap unassisted during our try out days. The coaches will help assess your swimmers’ skill level and place them in an appropriate group at that time.

It is our hope that by the end of the swim season, your swimmer will have an understanding of how to swim all four strokes (and, hopefully, legally at a meet)!

Where does Harbour Tide practice?

We practice at the South Shore Harbour neighborhood pool. This is inside a gated community, so you must enter through the main gate and guard shack to check in (off of South Shore Harbour Blvd.). The address of the pool is 4002 Masters Drive. We'll provide you with a special printable paper that will make the process smoother (we emailed it out closer to the start date).

How often does my child have to practice?

No one ever has to come to practice; however, it is encouraged to improve your swimmer's techniques and times. Practices are offered every Tuesday - Friday, where swimmers will receive instruction in each stroke and will swim to build physical endurance. The practice times and schedule can be found by clicking the Practices and Meets link at the top. The 2024 season will officially kick off on April 30^th.

Will my child be required to attend swim meets?

No, but we encourage it! Meets are a time for your swimmer to showcase what they have learned. This is also a great time to build relationships with other swim families (we think our close knit vibe is part of what makes Harbour Tide great)! At Harbour Tide, we are very understanding of vacations and family issues that may arise during our season.

Please keep in mind in order to swim in the Champ Series meets, swimmers must participate in at least two of the five regular-season meets. Due to limitations placed on us by CCSL and other teams.

How do I find out if practice is cancelled?

With 150 swimmers, making that many phone calls is impractical. We do not practice if there is thunder/lightning, but DO hold practice if there is only a mist or drizzle. The coaching staff and board will decide whether a practice session is cancelled.

The best way to stay informed is to join our Remind. You can find that information here https://www.remind.com/join/bek688d. We will also make posts on our Facebook and Instagram page - Harbour Tide Swim Team, give us a follow.

Does my child have to purchase and wear the team swimsuit?

The team has chosen a competition swimsuit, which may be worn to practices and meets. These suits are not required, but they do conform to swimming rules, look great and provide less drag than commercial suits.

Who manages Harbour Tide?

Harbour Tide is managed by a board consisting of swimmers' parents. The board is all volunteers (they don't take any money for their time), and they take care of the administration of the team.

We do ask that if you ever have any questions, please ask a board member. Our coaching staff is there to focus on your swimmers only (and getting bogged down with questions during practice time takes away from that). During practices, board members can be found inside the pool area, at a table near the baby pool. You can also find our email information on the website, or you can message us via Facebook or Remind.