Swim details 6.21.26
Bay Frog Open One-Mile Swim
In the spirit of Erie’s legendary Bay Swim, Uncommon Grit SEAL Foundation is bringing the energy back to the water with our fourth annual Bay Frog Open One-Mile Swim. This open-water mile draws some of the region’s strongest swimmers—plus an unforgettable twist: you’ll be accompanied by former Navy SEALs and special operations veterans as we swim for something bigger than the finish line.
Last year, support from the Bay Frog Open swim and golf outing helped us donate $29,000 to the Erie DAV/VA, closing the gap on funding for a new wheelchair-accessible van to transport veterans to the care they’ve earned.
swim sponsorShip
Sponsorships allow us to hold the one-mile swim each year and to make it the high-quality event we all love. Please take a moment to see who sponsored the 2026 swim:
This year, fundraising was part of the swim experience for every participant—and we’re so proud of the money raised by our swimmers.
The extra fundraising push for 2026 directly benefits select veteran and first responder initiatives in Erie, PA, including the Hometown Heroes program. It also funded a special songwriting session with our partner Operation Song, pairing a local veteran with a professional songwriter to help share their story through music.
Those who met fundraising milestones will receive their awards during swim weekend.
swim REGISTRATION IS now CLOSED FOR 2026.
Details for swim weekend can be found below for those who registered. We’re excited for this year’s swim!
For questions, email jamie@uncommongritfoundation.org.
swim details
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Swim Check-In and Swag Pickup
1-4 p.m.
Tom Ridge Environmental Center
310 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505
🗓️ If you are able to attend pickup on Saturday, we encourage you to do so. Everything you need for the swim, including your required swim cap and buoy, is included in your swag. If you are not able to attend pickup on Saturday, you will be able to pick up your items on swim day.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Bay Frog Open One-Mile Swim
Tom Ridge Environmental Center (park here)
6:30 a.m. - Arrival
7 a.m. - Announcements and color guard
7:30 a.m. - Swim begins
🏊♂️ Please arrive early to allow time to park, ride the bus, get your swim number, pick up swag (if you didn't get it on Saturday), and be prepared for swim announcements, color guard, and the National Anthem.
** Important Swim Day Check-In Requirement **
All swimmers must check in at the tent on swim day to receive their assigned swimmer number. This is required for safety and allows us to track swimmers in and out of the water. Even if you picked up your swag on Saturday, you must still check in at the tent on Sunday morning to receive your swimmer number.
_____
Post-Swim Banquet and Awards
Erie Yacht Club
🏅 Once you finish your swim, head to the boathouse for refreshments while we wait for all swimmers and safety crews to exit the water. We'll finish out the morning with awards for all swimmers, recognition of sponsors, and time to mingle and enjoy your hard work. Please plan to stay until all swimmers are out of the water. We want to recognize the entire group and you'll get to hear the debut of an original song telling the story of a local veteran.
_____
Swim Day Parking and Shuttle Service
🚌 Please arrive early and park at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. EMTA buses will be on hand to shuttle participants to the third parking vista on Presque Isle. Buses will also return participants back to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center from Erie Yacht Club after the swim.
Questions? Email jamie@uncommongritfoundation.org.
