Swim Specialists Teaching All Ages And Abilities

The MarTar Swim School Mission

Providing quality enriching swim instruction in a compassionate environment since 1999.

Our students learn how to swim at their own pace and ability. They are celebrated at every achievement, no matter how big or small. With more than 60 years of swimming experience, we’ve found this to be the most effective way to teach every swimmer how to have fun, be confident and, above all, be safer in and around the water.

Because our swim lessons are geared towards the individual, both children and adults can benefit from learning with us. We also specialize in working children and adults with disabilities, and breaking through fear of water.

Our Story

In 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 from the Governor of Maryland for drowning prevention. April 2nd is now MarTar Swim School Day.

Since opening, we have continued to teach students of all ages and abilities, helping them swim safer and with confidence.

Meet Marty

An avid swimmer since age 4, Marty became a certified lifeguard at age 17. He served as an LA County Lifeguard for 5 years, continued his training, and has been a certified lifeguard since. In addition to swimming, Marty also has 20 years of diving experience and is certified by the Professional Association of Scuba Diving.

Meet Tara

Tara was on the Junior Olympics Team at age 11 and a member of the Swim Team throughout college. She has her BA in Adaptive PE, a Master’s in Special Education, and has worked as a Special Education and PE teacher in the public school system for 28 years now. Tara is licensed in CPR and First Aid and is a Lifeguard Instructor certified by numerous organizations.

We Specialize In Working With Individuals With Disabilities

MarTar Swim School specializes in teaching swim lessons for individuals with special needs, including both children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, PDD, cerebral palsy, and visual or auditory impairments.

During our swim lessons, we use a variety of modifications, adaptations, and techniques, including visual aids and sign language.

Your Questions, Answered

For all other questions, please reach out to us via Email, or Facebook Messenger.

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We are a begin-to-swim program. We teach students beginning at 2 months old to adults. We can teach all four strokes; however, we do not have a swim team.
We offer swim lessons in Hanahan, SC.
Absolutely. We always explain to our swim parents why we teach the way that we do. We always want students to be supported at the lessons and at home. The more they practice at home, the faster they swim, whether it’s in another pool or even a bathtub.
We never dunk our students. Submersion is a process of teaching our swim students to enjoy going underwater, and is taught with warning and love. We never throw our students in the water. Instead, they receive our guidance every step of the way.
Lessons are 30 minutes each.
They will learn water acclimation, jumping in, rolling over, submersion and floating.
We specialize in working with kids with disabilities. MarTar Swim School opened in 1999 with 80% of our students being kids with disabilities, including autism, down syndrome, CP and multiple disabilities.
Yes! In fact, because we specialize in working with students who have disabilities we are especially well trained to adapt lessons to each students’ needs that day. We welcome students of all abilities and skill levels.
We do try to make up one lesson due to illness. We do not make up lessons for vacations without two weeks notice. Missed lessons must be made up within the same session.
We are a small, woman-owned business comprised of a husband and wife team. We do not change instructors often. This allows parents and students to develop a strong and trusting relationship with their instructor - something we take great pride in providing.
Yes, payment is required upfront for 8 full weeks - amounting to 3 total hours of swim lessons over the course of 8 weeks.

What makes MarTar Swim School different?

We Welcome All Ages and Abilities

We teach students how to be safer in and around the water, starting at 2 months old and throughout adulthood. We believe that everyone should have access to swim lessons that help them enjoy the water and feel confident in their abilities. We invite swimmers at any level, from beginners to triathletes. Lessons are centered around the student’s goal.

Our Lessons Are Focused But Fun

Our students are encouraged and celebrated every step of the way. Our 30 minute swim lessons focus on safer swimming and are designed to help students learn to love the water. Submersion is taught in a positive, loving way so that each student feels comfortable and confident in their ability. We motivate kids through toys and awards for each of their achievements, making each swim lesson an enjoyable experience. It’s learning made fun!

We Utilize A Different Levels System

We teach each student at their level. Our swim lessons are focused on the individual student, their current skill level and their ability. We also take into account any hesitation or fears they may have of water, and work with them to encourage safer and joyful swimming.

Our Staff Is Highly Trained

All staff members go through rigorous training before they can teach on their own. We also require all staff to take part in on-going career development through training courses and an annual Spring conference.

We Specialize in Teaching Disabilities & Special Needs

MarTar Swim School has more than 22 years of experience teaching swim lessons to individuals with special needs, including both children and adults with autism, down syndrome, ADHD, PDD, cerebral palsy, and visual or auditory impairments.

We are also Adaptive Aquatics certified. What this means is that we specialize in teaching life saving swim techniques to individuals with developmental delays or disabilities while helping to increase their motor skills, strength and social/communication skills. During each swim lesson we utilize a variety of modifications, adaptations and techniques including visual aids and sign language.

We are also certified through the YMCA and United States Swim School Association, and hold our Water Safety Instructor certification.