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.

What type of swim school are you?

We are a begin-to-swim program. We teach students beginning at 2months old to adults. We can teach all four strokes, however we do not have a swim team.

Where do you teach?

We offer swim lessons at Tanner Plantation in Hanahan, SC. Backyard swimming lessons are also available for an additional rate.

Do you talk to the parents?

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.

What is the difference between dunking and submersion?

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.

How long is each lesson?

Lessons are 30 minutes each.

What will my child learn is 6 weeks time?

They will learn water acclimation, jumping in, rolling over, submersion and floating.

Do you teach students with disabilities?

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.

Do you teach students without 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.

What happens if we miss a lesson due to illness?

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.

How is MarTar Swim School different from other programs?

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.

Do I pay upfront?

Yes, payment is required upfront for 6 full weeks - amounting to 3 total hours of swim lessons over the course of 6 weeks.