Swim Specialists Teaching All Ages And Abilities
Swimming is a life skill, one that we believe everyone should have access to regardless of age, ability or skill level. MarTar Swim School was founded to provide equal access to swim lessons taught by qualified and experienced instructors.
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 for drowning prevention from the Governor of Maryland. 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 The Owners
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Marty Girch
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.
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Tara Girch
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 Masters 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 Lifeguard Instructor certified by numerous organizations.
Register for Swim Lessons
What Our Swim Parents Are Saying
“Our 4 year old daughter was scared to put her mouth, nose and eyes underwater 6 weeks ago. After 8 lessons she is now swimming by herself. Tara has been fantastic with her from the start. Unbelievable how quickly she picked this up and so glad we were referred to MarTar Swimming. Thank you!”
— Andrew S.
“Highly recommend MarTar swim school! Logan and Gracelynn love their swim instructors, they have learned so much. It’s incredible to see them so young and swimming.”
— Crystal H.
“Tara is an amazing instructor! My 4 kids learned so much after just the first lesson today. Can’t wait to go back!”
— Ashley B.
What makes MarTar swim lessons so different?
Hear it from our swim parents!
“My son has sensory issues and was afraid to even get his head wet at the beginning of the summer. Can’t believe the same child just spent our family vacation begging to go to the pool every day, having swim contests and underwater tea parties with his brother (who also learned to swim this summer!). We tried another highly recommended swim school and made no progress. Even his OT couldn’t get him through the water fears. But Tara and Ethan truly worked wonders! My son floats, treads, jumps in, and swims.
My other son (who doesn’t have the sensory issues, but was still a bit fearful) worked with Marty and Ethan and learned to swim, tread, float and jump in. And he started to learn backstroke. He accomplished so much in his short time! So grateful for MarTar!” — Rachel P.
