LISBON, Ohio - Some are questioning the safety of the grueling training that Navy SEALS have to go through. It all stems from the death of an aspiring SEAL last May, which has been ruled a homicide. 

Adam Newbold is a Navy SEAL in Lisbon and says the intense training program is designed to teach SEALS how to overcome extreme adversity.

"To take these young guys to their limits, to their breaking point and beyond," said Newbold.

Newbold says the training is realistic, so of course it's going to be extremely dangerous.

"It's a very, very thin line where you're almost trying to kill the student without killing them and insuring that their safety is paramount," said Newbold.

One Navy SEAL in training, died last May and his death was ruled a homicide. James Derek Lovelace was in his first week of training. During a swim portion of the training, his instructor pushed him underwater at least twice. Witnesses say he was struggling with the exercise. A medical examiner ruled the drowning a homicide.

"It's very unfortunate, I don't know type of line that was crossed or if a line was crossed but I'll tell you this, I have seen some of the best swimmers in the world, drown, and it only takes a second," said Newbold.

Newbold says the training is a necessary part of making sure the military's elite, have all the tools needed to succeed in any situation.

"Our world is in a dangerous place and rough men need to stand ready," said Newbold. "Unfortunately the training is difficult, but you know, so is war."

The Navy says it has taken immediate actions to assess safety, training, instructors and procedures following the death.