For the competitive shark in the family, the area offers swim teams at several schools and outside organizations.

For students, high schools in Pierce and Thurston counties have swim teams available. In Pierce County, several school districts have swim teams including high schools in Bethel School District, Clover Park School District, Puyallup School District, Steliacoom Historical School District, Fife School District, University Place Schools, and Tacoma Public Schools.  In Thurston County, North Thurston Public Schools and Olympia School District high schools have teams, and the two high schools in Tumwater School District combine to form their swim team.

But competitive swimming doesn't have to include school rivalry. Many organizations in the area offer competitive swimming for students of all ages. The South Sound YMCA in Thurston County and YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties host swimming meets. In Pierce County, several organizations have swim teams, and are often members of USA Swimming. Blue Wave Aquatics, King Aquatics Club, South Sound Titans Swim Team, Tacoma Swim Club, University Place Aquatic Club, Oakbrook G&CC and Valley Aquatics give students a change to improve their swimming techniques, while working with team members at meets.

With so many opportunities to get in the water, it's easy for youngsters to dive in.