Bryan’s Big SWIMS
Supporting HAC’s Swimming Lessons Program
Since 2022, Dr. Bryan Huffman has dedicated himself to supporting free or reduced-cost swimming lessons to children in West Michigan. He raises funds for the HAC Foundation by undertaking marathon open-water swims in locations around the globe!
2022: Bryan’s project began in October 2022 when he successfully swam across the English Channel and decided that he wanted his efforts to give back to the community.
2023: In August 2023, he made an outstanding attempt to swim across Lake Michigan, which was unfortunately prevented by mechanical issues with a support boat. Bryan next went to New York City to take on the 20 Bridges Swim, where he succeeded in swimming around the island of Manhattan. Over the course of 2023, Bryan’s Big Lake Swims raised a total of $44,605! These funds continue to support life-saving swim lessons for kids in Holland and beyond.
2024: On June 28, 2024, Bryan successfully swam across Lake Erie, beginning off the coast of New York and ending at Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. (Read the press release here.) On Monday, August 5, 2024, Bryan completed a grueling 16.5-hour-long swim across the Catalina Channel and became the first Michigan resident to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming. As of August 2024, only 334 people in the world have achieved this feat, consisting of the English Channel swim, 20 Bridges Swim, and Catalina Channel swim. (Read the press release here.)
2025: On July 22, 2025, Bryan began his amazing attempt to swim across Lake Huron, starting at Port Franks, Ontario, and ending at Sanilac, MI. After completing over 30 miles of the 35 mile crossing, Bryan made the difficult decision to get out of the water. Though he was disappointed to stop after making so much progress, he didn’t want to endanger himself by continuing while cold and exhausted. We are so appreciative of Bryan’s efforts and congratulate him on his strength, perseverance, and dedication. Bryan plans to swim across Lake Superior between August 23 and 31 – stay tuned!
We still need your support! If you’re ready to support his next big adventure, you can do so by clicking to donate below. Thanks for following and donating!
In 2025, Bryan's supporters have contributed...
Dollars towards swim lesson scholarships
“We are so grateful for Bryan’s big heart and the amazing way he has supported HAC with each of these big swims. More kids in West Michigan are going to learn how to swim and be much safer in and around the water because of his efforts.”
Amanda Duimstra, HAC executive Director
Who is Bryan Huffman?
Dr. Bryan Huffman is an ophthalmologist, a Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics Masters swimmer, and a beloved Holland Aquatic Center member. Born and raised in West Michigan, Bryan is an active supporter of various personal and professional organizations. He and his wife, Stacy, married in 1998, and they have two sons, Quinten and Barrett. When he is not busy performing eye surgeries or swimming incredible distances, Bryan enjoys restoring classic cars, remodeling homes, and spending time outdoors with his family.
