The elite special operations force of the United States Navy gathers intelligence and performs counter-terrorism and other operations in physically demanding roles that require rigorous training to prepare for missions across the sea, skies, and land. They operate in various environments, from deserts and jungles to urban areas, mountains, and even arctic conditions.
Navy SEALs have to be in peak physical condition to keep up with the demands of the job. Some Navy SEALs undergo additional, advanced training for specialized roles like a combat medic. They also travel on foot, by helicopter, high-speed boat, submarine, parachute, and more. The New York City annual SEAL swim is an annual event to celebrate the diversity of our nation and to remember individuals lost on 9/11 and Extortion 17. Let’s see what it takes.
The NYC annual SEAL swim
The yearly event helps raise funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation, which was set up to support the Naval Special Warfare Community. It’s designed to push mental and physical limits. This year’s race took place on August 16th and was set up to support more than 30 essential SEAL foundation programs for veterans, the SEAL community, those on active duty, and their families.
The multi-sport open-water swimming event is an excellent way for former SEALs, veterans, firefighters, first responders, and police officers from across the country to come together. You don’t have to be a former SEAL to enter. There are four ways a non-SEAL can enter. For example, one way is to provide proof that you’ve completed an open water swim of 3 miles or greater within the last two years. The non-SEAL swim spots are also typically given to those who provide the fundraising requirement of $2,000.
What does the event involve?
All swimmers are given personal inflatable swim buoys to wear as a visible marker for support boats to see them in the water. The first part is the big open water swim.
Participants get into the Hudson River at Liberty State Park before swimming over to the Statue of Liberty, where they power through 100 honor push-ups and 22 pull-ups to celebrate the nation’s freedoms and civil liberties. After that, they swim from the Statue of Liberty over to Ellis Island, where they power through another 100 pushups and 22 pull-ups to honor our nation’s diversity and those who came to the U.S. seeking a better life.
The swim isn’t over yet, and the next part of the event involves swimming across the Hudson River to Battery Park in Manhattan, NYC, where the SEALs grab an American flag. Holding the flag, they run to the World Trade Center, where they complete the final 100 pushups and 22 pull-ups to honor individuals lost on 9/11 and Extortion 17, and Americans who put their lives on the line for our nation.
