Photo U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by George Papabeis
A swimmer at the head of the first wave of the 2012 annual Frogman Swim. About 120 participants braved five kilometers of chilly water this month in order to help build national awareness of the Naval Special Warfare community. The event raised approximately $100,000.
More than 100 swimmers that braved the waters of Tampa Bay in January, the third annual Frogman Swim, a 5K open water swim event, was a great success.
According to United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 74 of Brandon Public Affairs Officer, George Papabeis, the swim was launched from Gandy beach in St. Petersburg and finished at Picnic Island in Tampa. The swim benefits the Navy SEAL Foundation, which supports the families of the SEALs.
“It is an event that helps build national awareness of the Naval Special Warfare community,” Papabeis said, adding that the auxiliary supported the event with a number of vessels which kept traffic away from the swimmers.
The Frogman Swim started three years ago as a way to raise money for Lieutenant Dan Cnossen, a SEAL who lost both his legs in Afghanistan to an IED explosion in 2009.
Since its inception, the event has grown in interest and participation leading to this year’s goal to raise $75,000.
Event organizers were pleased to report that the swim surpassed their original goal and raised close to $100,000.
