How the Frogman Swim Brings the Community Together

Whenever someone is looking for Chris Swensen, the first place to check is always in or near the water. He swims, coaches swimming, and endeavors to raise money for the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provides critical support for the warriors, veterans, and families of Navy SEALS and Naval Special Warfare forces.  

During the day, Swensen works as a technical director and chief chemist for New Dawn Manufacturing Company of Upper Marlboro, Maryland — a private-labeling arm of Daycon, a BradyPLUS company. He loves what he does and is passionate about the jan/san industry, but the water continues to call to him. 

When it comes to swimming, Swensen can (and does) do it all; an inspiration to those who swim.  

“I swim three to four mornings a week, about 2,500 to 3,000 yards,” he says (3,000 yards is about 1.7 miles). He also does open-water swimming with an informal swim group called the “Arundel Breakfast Club”; is lead coach for the 8- to 12-year-old swimmers at the Naval Academy Aquatic Club; and travels to national competitions with swim students. Even beyond that, he and another volunteer organize the now-annual Annapolis Frogman Swim, which raises money to support the Navy SEAL Foundation. 

“Frogman participants swim five kilometers in the Chesapeake Bay to raise money in honor of all Naval SEALS and Special Warfare Combatants,” says Swensen.  

Each swimmer brings their own safety kayaker, who escorts and guides the individual swimmer, provides needed assistance, and communicates with the safety boats.  

"For this year’s event, the water temperature was 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and so was the air temperature, which eventually warmed up into the 80s,” he continues. “The water temperature is supposed to be under 60 degrees. It’s meant to be a tough swim, so the participants have an idea of what the Navy SEALS go through while they’re doing their training." 

Swensen got involved with supporting the charity because of a Navy football game tailgate party at the home of a mother of an active SEAL.  

“My brother was visiting me at the time, and he, having done the Boston Frogman Swim, was wearing a sweatshirt from that event,” he recalls. “A retired SEAL came over to talk with my brother about the Swim, and before I knew it, they turned to me and said, ‘You could do this!’ So, I filled out the paperwork and got accepted."  

Swensen had never attended a Frogman Swim, and as he learned more about it, he decided to seek some assistance. A friend of Swensen’s, David Priddy, had participated several times in the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim as the safety kayaker for his wife, a swimmer in that event.  

“David offered to help me organize the Annapolis Frogman, and we’ve been a team ever since,” says Swensen. This year’s Annapolis Frogman Swim took place on April 28 and featured 56 swimmers, 66 kayakers, and 62 volunteers. 

“We were going to cap the event at 50 swimmers, but we made room for six more, including some Navy SEALS. Last year we had 33 swimmers and raised $47,000. Our 2024 goal was to raise $100,000, but we doubled that — with the Naval Academy Triathlon team coming in as the top fundraising team,” he reports.   

Swensen emphasizes that participants swim to honor the memory of a specific SEAL. It holds special meaning for the families of the veterans. 

“I received a note from one of the Gold Star parents thanking me for what we do,” says Swensen. “It's very rewarding and makes me feel good. And because I know someone who serves in the special forces, I identify with what the families are going through.” 

Gretchen Roufs, a 25-year janitorial supply industry veteran, owns a marketing and public relations company in San Antonio. To suggest someone you think should be featured in “Freetime,” contact her at Gretchen@GretchenRoufs.com.