A joint swim team for Whitefish and Columbia Falls high schools finally has local approval.

The Whitefish and Columbia Falls school boards have both given their approval for the cooperative agreement to form the team. The Wave has also approved the use of its pool for practice for the tam.

Last year a group of swimming supporters first approached both schools about creating a team, but the details couldn’t be worked out in time for this school year.

Now, the team will have to apply for approval with the Montana High School Association for inclusion as a state sanctioned sport.

The swim season runs from mid-November to mid-February. The team will be for boys and girls and is expected to have about a dozen swimmers.

Columbia Falls is considered the sponsor of the team with Whitefish joining as a cooperative. This means the Columbia Falls district will employ the coach and oversee team funds. Under the agreement, both school athletic directors will be involved in hiring coaches.

The cost of the swim team will be covered through private fundraising done by team members and parents. Estimated costs are $8,000 to $12,000.