Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Girch
Tara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
n 1999 we recognized a need to have experts and qualified individuals teaching children with disabilities. MarTar Swim School was the solution. Our swim school is the culmination of 60+ years of experience as swimmers and swim instructors.
In 2011, Tara won the Humanitarian Award for her services to the special needs community. MarTar Swim School has also won awards for our dedication to hiring individuals with disabilities. In 2012, we received recognition for drowning prevention from the Governor of Maryland. April 2nd is now MarTar Swim School Day.
I sit on the board for Stop Drowning Now and hope to continue to spread the message of how to prevent drowning with this national organization.
Since opening we have continued to teach students of all ages and abilities, helping them swim safer and with confidence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Swim School Struggles: The Journey of MarTar Swim School
The Humble Beginnings
In 1999, MarTar Swim School started its journey by renting pool spaces from various locations such as other people’s pools, hotel pools, and backyard pools. The dream of having a dedicated swim school seemed distant, but the passion for teaching swimming kept Marty and Tara going. It wasn’t until 2010 that MarTar Swim School finally opened its own brick-and-mortar location, a significant milestone for the team.
However, just as things were looking up, a sudden setback in 2015 forced the school to close due to landlord and building issues. The dream was shattered, but Marty and Tara refused to give up. They went back to renting pool spaces, this time in a large gym, keeping their vision alive and striving to provide quality swim lessons to their students.
The year 2020 brought a new set of challenges with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment hit Marty hard, as Tara, juggling a full-time job as a special education teacher, took on the responsibility of finding pool spaces in backyard pools to continue their swim school. After years of searching, they finally found a house with a pool and MarTar Swim School was reborn once again.
Throughout the struggles and hardships, Marty and Tara’s relationship faced strain due to financial pressure. Despite facing tough times, they stood by each other and weathered the storm together. Their resilience and commitment to their vision of creating a thriving swim school never wavered.
Today, MarTar Swim School stands as a symbol of perseverance, dedication, and passion for teaching. With the knowledge gained from past struggles, Marty and Tara now run their swim school with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. They have overcome every obstacle thrown their way and emerged stronger, more resilient, and ready to reach new heights.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MarTar Swim School was founded in 1999 to provide expert swim instruction for children with disabilities. With over 60 years of combined experience in swimming and teaching, our dedicated team ensures a safe and inclusive environment for all students. In 2011, Tara received the prestigious Humanitarian Award for her exceptional service to the special needs community. Our commitment to inclusion is further demonstrated by our recognition for hiring individuals with disabilities. In 2012, we were honored by the Governor of Maryland for our efforts in drowning prevention. April 2nd is now officially celebrated as MarTar Swim School Day. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves access to quality swim lessons. Join us in the Charleston area and see the difference our personalized approach can make in your child’s aquatic journey.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Marty the Mar of the MarTar is truly the hero in our journey. He never gave up, even when our struggles seemed insurmountable. He had the original vision for MarTar, and while I had doubts, he persevered. He saved our dream from falling apart and even rekindled our failing marriage with his unwavering love and dedication. Along our 25-year journey, we found valuable mentors and friends in swim school owners from Texas, Long Island, and Florida. Their support, both personally and professionally, was instrumental in our survival. Thanks to their guidance, Tara now sits on the board of Stop Drowning Now, a national organization dedicated to drowning prevention. Marrty truly embodies the spirit of a hero in every sense.
Pricing:
- $50 privates
- $40 semi porivates per class per child
- $30 small group per class per child
- $20 parent/child
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.martarswimming.com
- Instagram: martarswim school
- Facebook: MarTar Swim School
