Next swim: 6.27.27
Bay Frog SEAL Swim
Celebrating an incredible 2026 swim—and already looking ahead to 2027.
On Father’s Day 2026, swimmers, families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters gathered on Presque Isle Bay for a beautiful morning filled with great weather, strong energy, and an even stronger sense of community. From the first wave in the water to the final swimmers crossing the finish, the day was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with purpose.
We are proud to report the swim reached an overall revenue of $38,000. The peer-to-peer fundraising effort alone was over $16,300, with a tight race for the top three fundraising spots right up to the finish. Every dollar raised helps Uncommon Grit SEAL Foundation continue removing barriers to healing, stability, and connection for military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day came after the swim, when Nashville songwriter Kelli Johnson performed a new song live for the first time—a collaboration with Operation Song to help tell the story of local veteran Kevin Ellwell. This powerful moment was made possible in part through swim fundraising and reflects one of the many ways Uncommon Grit SEAL Foundation helps remove barriers to healing, connection, and being heard.
Thank you to every swimmer, sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this year’s Bay Frog Open Swim such a special day.
📸 Thank you to Gibbens Creative for capturing the swim.
Save the Date — June 27, 2027
The Fifth Annual Bay Frog SEAL Swim is coming back to Erie, PA—and in 2027, we’re taking it to the next level.
Some of you asked for a bigger challenge. We listened.
For the first time, the Bay Frog SEAL Swim will include a 2-mile swim option, alongside the 1-mile swim that started it all.
Whether you’re coming back to take on the bay again or ready to push yourself a little farther, there will be more ways to challenge yourself in 2027. We’re working on new event experiences, new challenges, special guests and more—with plenty of details still to come.
Listen to the final cut of the Operation Song collaboration between Kelli Johnson and Kevin Ellwell:
If you have questions or feedback about the swim, please email bearpaw@uncommongritfoundation.org.
You can still donate to the swim here:
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 sponsorS
Sponsorships allow us to hold the one-mile swim each year and to make it the high-quality event we all love. Thank you to:
