Welcome to the Galveston Island Swim Team
About GIST
The Galveston Island Swim Team is a year-round swim club affiliate of USA Swimming. We offer a learn-to-swim program and a competitive swim team. Newcomers registered with USA Swimming may join the competitive team practices for a week free of charge. We have training and practice groups for swimmers ages 4-18 and all ability levels. It is our goal to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging and developing each individual to the best of their abilities.
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Swim Classes
We offer six levels of classes for children ages 4-18 that cater to first-time beginners through advanced swimmers.
Assessments for joining the team are normally held at Central Middle School Pool (32nd and Ball) on the 1st Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. It is not necessary to make arrangements ahead of time - parents can just show up with their children in swimsuits for a quick swim to assess their skills and determine class placement. Please have your child ready to swim and dressed in appropriate swim attire (towels and dry change of clothes are also recommended).
Pool Closures and Lightning Policy:
- We will suspend all activities for 30 minutes after a lightning strike within 10 miles of the pool.
- We use the “Remind” app for communicating routine and time sensitive information like practice cancellations and upcoming events for both pools.
- Practices held at the Central MS Pool will follow GISD school closures during the school year and will be closed on major holidays including the week of Thanksgiving and Winter Break.
- Practices held at the Ball HS pool will vary from GISD school closures due to the competition team practices
Ball High School Pool Closures:
- Ball HS will vary from GISD school closures due to the competition team practices. Please make sure you are following "GIST" and "GIST Competition Team" on the REMIND app to stay up to date with the closures.
- Due to construction and maintenance issues at the school, there may be unexpected pool closures. Coaches will do their best to communicate in advance of any changes to the schedule due to maintenance. Please follow the REMIND app for updates.
- Please bring sneakers to practice for dryland in case of pool closures.
Our Competitive Team
Swimmers ages 11-18 make up the Galveston Island Hurricanes. Coaches Tony and Loree Pryor challenge each swimmer to progress from their current level of skills, whether they are new swimmers or seasoned competitors. GIST swimmers at level 3 or higher can participate in most swim meets. Additional swim meet information is provided at practice and through the GroupMe app.
Our Generous Donors
Why Sponsor the Galveston Island Swim Team?
The Galveston Island Swim Team is gearing up for a busy 2025 season! Your sponsorship will help us keep the cost down for registration so all Galveston youth can learn to swim, ensure swimmers have access to equipment such as fins and boards that will assist in their development, host home meets, purchase t-shirts, suits, caps and awards, and support our local swim team - The Galveston Island Hurricanes.
Sponsors are recognized by category on our website and flyers that are distributed to families regularly throughout the year. Sponsorship levels are listed below:
- Hurricane Sponsor: $2500
- Tornado Sponsor: $1000
- Storm Sponsor: $750
- Gale Sponsor: $500
- Squall Sponsor: $250
- Other Donation: Any Amount
We welcome donations of any amount to support the team. Every contribution, big or small, helps our Hurricanes make waves!