UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )

Filed by the Registrantþ ☑

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨ ☐

Check the appropriate box:

April 2, 20155, 2017

Dear Swift Energy Company Shareholder:

Our 20152017 annual meeting of shareholders will be held on May 19, 2015.16, 2017.

I would like to start by introducing myself and letting you know how pleased I am to have joined Swift Energy as Chief Executive Officer, Director and a shareholder. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your support and trust as a shareholder of Swift Energy Company.

A formal notice of the annual meeting and proxy statement is enclosed, accompanied by a copy of our annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.2016. The proxy statement describes the business we will conduct at the annual meeting and provides information about Swift Energy Company that you should consider when you vote your shares.

As further discussed in this proxy statement, 2016 was a year of transition for Swift Energy Company. We successfully reorganized with a new class of equity, emerged from bankruptcy and are better positioned to drive long-term value for our shareholders.

Your vote is important to us. Whether or not you can attend the annual meeting of shareholders, it is important thatwe encourage you to vote and submit your proxy. Voting over the Internet or by telephone is fast and convenient, and your vote is immediately tabulated. By using the Internet or telephone, you help Swift Energy Company reduce the cost of postage and proxy tabulations. Regardless of your method of voting, we urge you to review the accompanying materials and vote as promptly as possible to ensure the presence of a quorum for the annual meeting.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your cooperation, ongoing support and continued interest.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To be held May 19, 201516, 2017

The annual meeting of shareholders of SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY (the “Company” or “Swift Energy”) will be held at the HiltonOmni Houston North, 12400 Greenspoint Drive,Hotel at Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079, on May 19, 2015,16, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., Houston time, for the following purposes:

A record of shareholders has been taken as of the close of business on March 20, 2015,17, 2017, and only shareholders of record at that time will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof. A complete list of shareholders will be available commencing May 8, 2015,5, 2017, and may be inspected during normal business hours prior to the annual meeting at the offices of the Company, 17001 Northchase Drive, Suite 100,575 North Dairy Ashford Road, Ste. 1200, Houston, Texas 77060.77079. This list will also be available at the annual meeting.

April 2, 20155, 2017

Your Vote Is Important!

Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting of shareholders, we urge you to vote and submit your proxy as promptly as possible to ensure the presence of a quorum for the annual meeting. For additional instructions on voting your shares, please refer to the proxy materials.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held On May 16, 2017

Your notice or proxy card will contain instructions on how to view our proxy materials for the Annual Meeting on the Internet. Our proxy statement and the Company’s annual report to shareholders on Form10-K are available at www.swiftenergy.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY

17001 Northchase Drive, Suite 100575 North Dairy Ashford Road, Ste. 1200

Houston, Texas 7706077079

(281)874-2700

PROXY STATEMENT

for the

20152017 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Solicitation

These proxy materials are being made available to the shareholders of Swift Energy Company (“Swift Energy” or the “Company”) beginning on or about April 2, 2015.5, 2017.The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Swift Energy is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares of Swift Energy common stock at the annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the HiltonOmni Houston North, 12400 Greenspoint Drive,Hotel at Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079, on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 16, 2017, at 3:00 p.m., Houston time.The Board is soliciting proxies to give all shareholders the opportunity to vote on the matters that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement provides you with the information on these matters to assist you in voting your shares.

Availability of Proxy Materials

We are using thee-proxy rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, we are making this proxy statement and related proxy materials available on the Internet pursuant to the SEC’s rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to shareholders through a “notice and access” model using the Internet. The “Notice and Access Rule” removes the requirement for public companies to automatically send shareholders a full hard-copy set of proxy materials and allows them instead to deliver to their shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice”) and to provide online access to the documents. We have mailed such a Notice on or about April 2, 2015,5, 2017, to all shareholders of record on March 20, 2015,17, 2017, who are the shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Voting Information

What is a proxy?

A proxy is your legal designation of another person or persons (the “proxy” or “proxies”) to vote on your behalf. By voting your shares as instructed in the materials you received, you are giving the designated proxies appointed by the Board the authority to vote your shares in the manner you indicate on your proxy card.

Who are the proxies appointed by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting?

The proxies for the Company appointed by the Board are the following representatives of Swift Energy:

Who is qualified to vote?

You are qualified to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting if you own shares of Swift Energy common stock as of the close of business on our record date of Friday, March 20, 2015.17, 2017.

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How many shares of Swift Energy common stock are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

As of March 20, 2015,17, 2017, there were 44,486,11311,465,688 shares of Swift Energy common stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Swift Energy common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter presented.

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What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

MostMany of our shareholders hold their shares through a broker, trustee or other nominee rather than having the shares registered directly in their own name. There are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially that are summarized below.

Shareholder of Record —– If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, you are the shareholder of record of the shares. As the shareholder of record, you have the right to grant a proxy to vote your shares to the Company or another person, or to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting.

Beneficial Owner —– If your shares are held through a broker, trustee or other nominee, it is likely that they are registered in the name of the nominee and you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name.” As the beneficial owner of shares held for your account, you have the right to direct the registered holder to vote your shares as you instruct, and you are also are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Your broker, trustee or other nominee has provided a voting instruction card for you to use in directing how your shares are to be voted. However, since a beneficial owner is not the shareholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy from the registered holder of the shares giving you the right to do so.

If I am a shareholder of record, how do I vote?

You may vote using any of the following methods:

Via the Internet — You may vote by proxy via the Internet by following the instructions provided in either the Notice or proxy card.

By Telephone — You may vote by proxy by calling the number found on the proxy card.

By Mail — If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you may vote by proxy by completing the proxy card and returning it in the envelope provided.

In Person — If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. We will give you a ballot during the meeting.

If I am a beneficial owner, how do I vote?

You may vote using any of the following methods:

Via the Internet — You may vote by proxy via the Internet by following the instructions provided in either the Notice or the voting instruction form provided by your broker, trustee or other nominee.

By Telephone — You may vote by proxy by calling the number found on either the Notice or the voting instruction form provided by your broker, trustee or other nominee.

By Mail — If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you may vote by proxy by completing the voting instruction form provided by your broker, trustee or other nominee and returning it in the envelope provided.

In Person — If you are a beneficial owner of shares and you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from the organization that holds your shares.

What is householding?

We follow anSEC-approved procedure approved by the SEC known as “householding.” Under this procedure, only one copy of the proxy statement, annual report on Form10-K and Notice is being delivered to

shareholders residing at the same address, unless the shareholders have notified Swift Energy of their desires to receive multiple copies. This allows us to reduce the environmental impact of printing and providing proxy materials and associated printing and mailing costs.

If you received a householded mailing this year and would like additional copies of the proxy statement, annual report on Form10-K and/or Notice mailed to you, please contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) by telephone at1-800-579-1639, or by email at sendmaterial@proxyvote.com. Broadridge will promptly deliver any additional copies requested. If you would like to enroll in or withdraw from householding, please contact the Company’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (if you hold your shares “of record”), or the bank or broker through which you hold your shares.

Householding is limited to accounts within the same bank or brokerage firm. Therefore, if you have accounts containing our common stock at more than one brokerage firm, you may receive a copy of the proxy statement, annual report on Form10-K and notice regarding the availability of proxy materials from each firm.

Can I receive more than one Notice?

Yes. If you received multiple Notices, you may hold your shares in different ways (e.g., joint tenancy, trusts or custodial accounts) or in multiple accounts. You should vote on each Notice card you receive.

What are the Board’s recommendations on how I should vote my shares?

The Board recommends that you vote your shares as follows:

What are my choices when voting?

Proposal 1 — You may cast your vote in favor of electing the nominees as directors or withhold your vote on one or more nominees.

Proposals 2, 3, 4, and 45 — You may cast your vote “for” or “against” or you may abstain with respect to each proposal.

Proposal 6 — You may choose from among four options in connection with this proposal, namely whether future shareholder votes to approve the compensation of Swift Energy’s Named Executive Officers should occur every year, two years or every three years or you may abstain from voting.

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How will my shares be voted if I do not specify how they should be voted?

If you vote by proxy, the individuals named on the proxy card (your “proxies”) will vote your shares in the manner you indicate. If you sign and return the proxy card without indicating your instructions, your shares will be voted as follows:

How are votes withheld, abstentions and brokernon-votes treated?

Votes withheld and abstentions are deemed as “present” at the Annual Meeting and are counted for quorum purposes. For Proposal 1, the election of directors, votes withheld will have the same effect as not voting, and an abstention for

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Proposal 6 has no effect on the proposal. For all other proposals (2, 3, 4 and 5), abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the matter. Broker For all proposals, brokernon-votes, if any, while counted for general quorum purposes, are not deemed to be “present” with respect to any matter for which a broker does not have authority to vote and also have the same effect as not voting.

Can I change my vote after I have voted?

You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. If you submit a vote and wish to change it prior to the Annual Meeting, you may vote again via the Internet or by telephone (only your latest Internet or telephone proxy submitted prior to the Annual Meeting will be counted), by signing and returning a new proxy card or voting instruction form with a new date, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting by ballot at the Annual Meeting.

What vote is required to approve each proposal?

For Proposal 1, although our Bylaws provide for directors to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote at the meeting, in December 2011 we amended our Principles for Corporate Governance to adoptmeeting. Proposal 6 is also determined by a majority voting policy for directors in uncontested elections, which has applied since the Company’s 2012 annual meetingplurality of shareholders.

votes cast. Each of the remaining proposals requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on, and that voted for or against or expressly abstained with respect to, that proposal. For these proposals, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the matter, and brokers who do not receive voting instructions from beneficial owners will only have authority to vote on Proposal 4.

Who pays the cost of this proxy solicitation?

The cost of preparing, printing and mailing the proxy materials and soliciting proxies is paid by Swift Energy. The CompanySwift Energy will also request brokerage firms, banks, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares of Swift Energy common stock as of the record date and will reimburse these entities for the costs of forwarding the proxy materials in accordance with customary practice. Your cooperation in promptly voting your shares will help to avoid additional expense.

Is this proxy statement the only way the proxies are being solicited?

In addition to this solicitation by the Board, employees of Swift Energy may solicit proxies in person or by mail, delivery service, telephone or facsimile, without additional compensation. The Company has also retained Georgeson Inc.Alliance Advisors, LLC (“Alliance Advisors”) to perform proxy watch services which includes monitoring and reporting on voting for the Annual Meeting. The Company has agreed to pay this firm $3,500, plus reasonableout-of-pocket expenses, for such proxy watch services. Pursuant to our agreement with Alliance Advisors, at the Company’s discretion, we may later engage Alliance Advisors to act as a proxy solicitor in conjunction with the Annual Meeting.Meeting for an additional fee to be determined at that time.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE — EMERGENCE FROM VOLUNTARY CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION

On December 31, 2015, Swift Energy Company and eight of our U.S. subsidiaries (the “Chapter 11 Subsidiaries”) filed voluntary petitions seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware under the caption In re Swift Energy Company, et al (CaseNo. 15-12670). The Company has agreedand the Chapter 11 Subsidiaries received bankruptcy court confirmation of their joint plan of reorganization (the “Plan of Reorganization”) on March 31, 2016, and subsequently emerged from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016 (the “Effective Date”).

Pursuant to pay this firm $10,500, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,the Plan of Reorganization, as described further in our Form10-K for standard proxy solicitation services.the year ended December 31, 2016, upon emergence from bankruptcy the following occurred:

PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Pursuant to our Charter and the Nomination Agreement (as defined below), the board of directors of Swift Energy (the “Board”) is made up of three classes following the Effective Date. Class I directors’ terms expire at this Annual Meeting of shareholders; Class II directors’ terms expire at the second annual meeting of shareholders following the Effective Date (May 2018); and Class III directors’ terms expire at the third annual meeting of shareholders following the Effective Date (May 2019). At each annual meeting of shareholders, directors elected to succeed those whose term has expired will be elected to three year terms.

In connection with our voluntary reorganization and effective upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016, we entered into the Director Nomination Agreement (the “Nomination Agreement”) between Swift Energy and the “Consenting Noteholders” (as defined in the Nomination Agreement, which includes Strategic Value Partners, LLC (“SVP”) and certain other former holders of our cancelled senior notes (the “Other Noteholders”)). Among other things, the Consenting Noteholders have the right to nominate directors to the Board and maintain the right to remove and replace their respective directors at any time. The Nomination Agreement is included by reference in our Charter as necessary to effectuate its terms.

Current Composition of the Board

Directors standing for election at this Annual Meeting:

Set forth below are the names and remaining terms of the other five directors, who are not standing for election at this Annual Meeting:

Nomination of Directors

Following the expiration of the initial terms of the Board as set forth above, our Charter and the Nomination Agreement together set forth that the Company and the Consenting Noteholders shall take all necessary actions to cause the Board to consist of seven members as follows:

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So long as SVP is entitled to designate a nominee, SVP shall have the right to remove such nominee (with or without cause), from time to time and at any time, from the Board. Should a director designated by SVP be removed for any reason, whether by SVP or otherwise in accordance with the Charter and the Bylaws, SVP shall be entitled to designate an individual to fill the vacancy created by such removal so long as SVP is entitled to designate a nominee on the date of such replacement designation, subject to the Charter and Bylaws of the Company.

In addition, if SVP loses the right to nominate any directors, it may not remove and replace their directors still on the Board. If the Consenting Noteholders lose the right to remove and replace any directors pursuant to the then-existing terms of the Nomination Agreement, the Consenting Noteholders will lose the right to remove and replace such directors.

The Nomination Agreement terminates upon the earlier to occur of (a) such time as the Consenting Noteholders in the aggregate no longer beneficially own common stock representing an equity percentage equal to or greater than 8% or (b) the delivery of written notice to Swift Energy by all of the Consenting Noteholders, requesting the termination of the Agreement. Further, at such time as a particular Consenting Noteholder no longer beneficially owns any shares of common stock, all rights and obligations of such Consenting Noteholder under the Nomination Agreement will terminate.

This summary of the Nomination Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Nomination Agreement, which is included as Exhibit 4.7 to our Registration Statement on FormS-8 (FileNo. 333-210936), filed on April 27, 2016.

Election of Directors

In summary, under the Nomination Agreement and Swift Energy’s governing documents, we have three classes of directors. Every year, each director of one class is elected to serve a 3-year term or until his or her successor has been duly electedMessrs. Michael Duginski and qualified. Messrs. Clyde W. Smith, Jr., Terry E. Swift and Charles J. Swindells, incumbent Class I directors,Christoph O. Majeske, have been nominated by the Board to

stand for re-electionelection at this Annual Meeting as Class I directors. Further, effective February 16, 2015, the Company increased the size of the Board from seven to eight members and, in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company, Mr. William A. Bruckmann III was appointed to the Board to fill the newly created Class III directorship and has been nominated to stand for election as a Class III director. AlthoughDirectors. Swift Energy’s Bylaws provide for directors to be elected by a plurality of votes cast by holders of shares entitled to vote in the election of directors at a meeting of the shareholders at which a quorum is present, in 2011 we amendedsubject to the then-existing terms of our Nomination Agreement and our Principles for Corporate Governance to adopt a majority voting policy for directors standing for re-election in an uncontested election, requiring resignation from the Board of any such nominees who are elected by less than a majority of the votes cast in such election and whose resignation is accepted by the Board. Upon the failure of a director to receive a majority of votes cast, the Corporate Governance Committee shall promptly consider, and make a recommendation to the Board regarding, whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation, or whether other action should be taken. Under the policy, the Board must act on the tendered resignation, and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale behind it, within 90 days from the date of the certification of the election results. This policy provides for independent directors to make determinations as to director resignation and sets out a range of remedies in the event of a majority withhold vote. Please refer to our Principles for Corporate Governance, which are available at www.swiftenergy.com, for a full description of this policy.Governance.

Current Composition of the BoardClass I Director Nominees

Directors standing for election at this Annual Meeting:

Set forth below are the names and remaining terms of the other four directors, who are not standing for election at this Annual Meeting:

The biographies of each of the nominees and continuing directors below contain information regarding the person’s service as a director of Swift Energy, business experience, director positions with other companies held currently or at any time during the last five years, information regarding involvement in certain legal or administrative proceedings, if applicable, and the experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that were considered by the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee and the Board in determining that the person should serve as a director for the Company.

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Class I Director NomineesMichael Duginski, 51, has served as a director of Swift Energy since April 2016. He was appointed to the Board and recommended as a nominee at this Annual Meeting by our Nominating and Strategy Committee and is classified as an “independent director,” as such term is specifically used in the Nomination Agreement effective upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016, meaning he was not designated by any of the Consenting Noteholders including SVP. Mr. Duginski is the President and CEO of Sentinel Peak Resources, a role he assumed in 2015. Previously, Mr. Duginski was Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Berry Petroleum from 2007 to 2013, where he led all operations including corporate development, production, reserves, drilling, EH&S and land, including corporate strategic planning, until Berry’s sale to Linn Energy. Mr. Duginski has served on the public board of Madagascar Oil Limited from April 2015 to April 2016, and several private boards. Mr. Duginski received his Master of Business Administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona. His qualifications to serve on the Board include his approximately thirty years of experience in the oil and gas industry along with his executive and directorship experience.

Class III Director Nomineeof Strategic Value Partners and is a member of the North American investment team with a focus on energy, transportation and industrials. From 2006 to 2015, he was a Vice President and Operating Executive of Cerberus Capital Management. At Cerberus, Mr. Majeske executed private equity transactions and held various interim executive roles at portfolio companies, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Restructuring Officer, in both North America and Europe across a range of industries. From 2000 to 2006, Mr. Majeske was a member of the M&A Advisory team at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, Accounting and Economics with High Distinction from the University of Michigan in 2000. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Genco Shipping & Trading, GSE Environmental and White Energy. Mr. Majeske brings a wealth of financial and prior restructuring experience to the Board.

Subject to the then-existing terms of our majority voting policy for the election of directors standing for re-election,Nomination Agreement, Swift Energy’s Bylaws provide that a plurality of the votes cast (including votes withheld) by holders of shares entitled to vote is necessary to elect each nominee. Brokers do not have discretion to vote on this proposal without your instruction. If you do not instruct your broker how to vote on this proposal, your broker will deliver anon-vote.

The persons named as proxies in these proxy materials, unless authority is withheldotherwise directed by a shareholder on a proxy card, intend to vote “FOR” the election of all nominees named in this proxy statement standing for election

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as Class I directors and one nominee named in this proxy statement standing for election as a Class III director.directors. If any nominee should become unavailable or unable to serve as a director, the persons named as proxies may vote for a substitute nominee, or the size of the Board may be reduced accordingly;accordingly, or a new nominee or director may be appointed pursuant to the then-applicable terms of the Nomination Agreement; however, the Board is not aware of any circumstances likely to render any nominee unavailable.

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CONTINUING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Class I Directors

The biographies for the Class I director nominees are set forth above under “Proposal 1 — 1—Election of Directors.”

Class II Directors

Gabriel L. Ellisor, 43, was named a director of Swift Energy in April 2016. He was designated as a director by the Consenting Noteholders (excluding SVP) pursuant to the Nomination Agreement in conjunction with the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy. Mr. Ellisor served as Chief Financial Officer of Three Rivers Operating Company II from July 2012 – February 2015 and as Chief Financial Officer for Three Rivers Operating Company I from 2010 to 2012, until such acquisition vehicles were sold. Prior to joining Three Rivers, Mr. Ellisor was a principal at Rivington Capital Advisors from 2008 to 2010. Mr. Ellisor has approximately 19 years of experience in the finance sector of the oil and gas industry, including holding various positions at First Interstate Bank, Wells Fargo, and BNP Paribas. Mr. Ellisor earned a B.B.A., with a major in Finance, from Texas Christian University. Mr. Ellisor’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his vast financial and transactional experience.

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Mr. Rowland served as the Chief Executive Officer at FTS International, Inc. (formerly Frac Tech International, LLC) from May 2011 through November 2012, and as the President and Chief Financial Officer of Frac Tech Services, LLC and Frac Tech International, LLC from November 2010 to May 2011. Mr. Rowland served as the Chief Financial Officer or equivalent positions of Chesapeake Energy Corporation from 1993, when the company became publicly traded, until October 2010, leaving in the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Rowland served as Chief Operating Officer of Anglo-Suisse, LP from 1990 to 1992. Mr. Rowland has served as a director on the boards of a number of public and private companies including Mitcham Industries, Inc. from 2015 to the present, Warren Resources, Inc. from 2012 to 2016 and Chesapeake Midstream Partners from 2010 to 2011. He is an alumnus of Wichita State University. Mr. Rowland is a seasoned oil and gas corporate executive, director, and investment manager with over 40 years of experience in all aspects of upstream and midstream business segments and brings that knowledge along with his expertise in energy mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, public securities transactions, and derivatives facilities to the Board.

Class III DirectorsSean C. Woolverton, 47, was appointed Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board on March 1, 2017. He was appointed to the Board by our Nominating and Strategy Committee in accordance with the terms of the Nomination Agreement. He was previously the Chief Operating Officer of Samson Resources Company (“Samson”) from November 2013 to February 2017. Samson filed for bankruptcy protection in the Federal Court in the District of Delaware on September 16, 2015, and emerged from bankruptcy on March 1, 2017, shortly after Mr. Woolverton’s resignation. From 2007 to 2013, Mr. Woolverton held a series of positions of increasing responsibility at Chesapeake Energy Corporation, a public independent exploration and development oil and natural gas company, including Vice President of its Southern Appalachia business unit. Prior to joining Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Mr. Woolverton worked for Encana Corporation, a North American oil and natural gas producer, where he oversaw its Fort Worth Basin development and shale exploration teams in North Texas. Earlier in his career, Mr. Woolverton worked for Burlington Resources in multiple engineering and management roles. Mr. Woolverton received his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech. Mr. Woolverton brings his vast operational leadership and knowledge to Swift Energy and the Board.

The biography for Mr. Bruckmann, Class III director nominee, is set forth above under “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors.” The biographies for the other Class III directors (whose terms do not expire until the 2017 annual meeting) are set forth directly below.

Affirmative Determinations Regarding Independent Directors and Financial Experts

While we are currently listed on the OTCQX Best Market, throughout this proxy we refer to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing standards in accordance with the charters of our standing committees and the Company’s desire to stay in compliance with the more stringent listing standards of the NYSE. The Board has determined that each of the following directors is an “independent director” as such term is defined in Section 303A.02 of the Listed Company Manual of the NYSE: Michael Duginski, Gabriel L. Ellisor, David Geenberg, Christoph O. Majeske, Marcus C. Rowland, and Charles W. Wampler; in addition, the Board has affirmatively determined that each of these directors has no material relationship with the Company. The Board also has determined that these same directors are each an “independent director” as such term is defined in Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual of the NYSE for Compensation and Nominating and Strategy committee standards. Although these directors do not all serve on each of these committees, six of our seven directors are independent for Compensation and Nominating and Strategy committee purposes at this Annual Meeting. These independent directors represent a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Woolverton is not an independent director because he also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

The Board has also determined that each of the following directors is an “independent director” as such term is defined in Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”): William A. Bruckmann III, DeannaNYSE for Audit Committee purposes: Michael Duginski, Gabriel L. Cannon, Douglas J. Lanier, Greg Matiuk, Ronald L. Saxton, Clyde W. Smith, Jr.,Ellisor, Marcus C. Rowland, and Charles J. Swindells. SevenW. Wampler. Although these directors do not all serve on the Audit Committee, four of our eightseven directors are independent as of the 2015for Audit Committee purposes at this Annual Meeting. These independent directors represent a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. T. SwiftWoolverton is not an independent director because he also serves as an officerChief Executive Officer of the Company.Company and Messrs. Geenberg and Majeske are not independent directors for Audit Committee purposes because they are employees of SVP, a substantial shareholder of Swift Energy at the time of this Annual Meeting.

The

As discussed above, the Board has also determined that each member of the Audit, Compensation and Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committees of the Board meets the independence requirements applicable to those committees prescribed by the NYSE and the SEC. Further, the Board has determined that DeannaMr. Gabriel L. Cannon,Ellisor, Audit Committee Chair, and Messrs. William A. Bruckmann III and Clyde W. Smith, Jr.,Mr. Michael Duginski, also membersa member of the Audit Committee, are each an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d) of RegulationS-K promulgated by the SEC.

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The Board reviewed the applicable standards for Board member and Board committee independence and the criteria applied to determine “audit committee financial expert” status, as well as the answers to annual questionnaires completed by each of the independent directors. On the basis of this review, the Board made its independence and “audit committee financial expert” determinations.

Meetings of Independent Directors

At each executive session of the independent directors, the Lead Director presides. Mr. Lanier was elected as Lead Director by the independent directors in May 2010. For purposes of Rule 303A.03 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, the term “independent directors” is equivalent to “non-management directors.”

Meetings and Committees of the Board

The Board has establishedUpon bankruptcy court confirmation of our Plan of Reorganization on March 31, 2016, and subsequent emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016, the following standing committees:committees have been established by the Board: Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Executive.Nomination and Strategy. Descriptions of the membership and functions of these committees are set forth below.

The following chart identifies the committees upon which each member of the Board serves, the chairs of the committees, and the number of meetings and actions by consent of the Board and the committees during 2014:2016 following the Company’s emergence on April 22, 2016:

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The following chart identifies the committees upon which each former member of the Board served, the chairs of the committees, and the number of meetings and actions by consent of the previous Board and the committees during 2016 from January 1, 2016 up until the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. Following the Company’s emergence, all of the belownon-employee directors (all directors except Mr. Swift) ceased to be members of the Board and certain committees dissolved or changed.

During 2014,the period in 2016 that each director was on the Board, each respective director (both current and former directors) attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board and (ii) the total number of meetings of all committees of the Board on which he or she served.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to oversight in monitoring: (i) the integrity of the financial statements of the Company; (ii) Swift Energy’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) the independent auditor’s selection, qualifications and independence; and (iv) the performance of Swift Energy’s internal audit function and independent auditor. The committee is required to be comprised of three or morenon-employee directors, each of whom is determined by the Board to

be “independent” under the rules promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and meets the financial literacy and experience requirements under the rules or listing standards established by the NYSE, all as may be amended. In addition, at least one member of the committee must satisfy the definition of “audit committee financial expert” as such term may be defined from time to time under the rules promulgated by the SEC. The Board has determined that Ms. CannonMessrs. Ellisor and Messrs. Bruckmann and SmithDuginski qualify as audit committee financial experts and that each member of the Audit Committee is independent as defined in the NYSE Listed Company Manuallisting standards and the Exchange Act rules, of the SEC, and each meets the financial literacy and experience requirements established by the NYSE. A report of the Audit Committee appears later in this proxy statement. Ms. CannonMr. Ellisor (Committee Chair) and Messrs. Bruckmann, SmithDuginski and SwindellsWampler are members of our current Audit Committee. Prior to Swift Energy’s emergence from January 1, 2016 through April 21, 2016, the Audit Committee.Committee of the Board consisted of Ms. Deanna L. Cannon (former Committee Chair) and Messrs. William A. Bruckmann III, Clyde W. Smith, Jr. and Charles J. Swindells, all of whom were independent directors.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee holds the responsibilities of the Board relating to compensation of the Company’s executive officers. This includes evaluating the compensation of the executive officers of the Company and its affiliatesprimary operating subsidiary, Swift Energy Operating, LLC, and their performance relative to their compensation to assure that such executive officers are compensated effectively in a manner consistent with the strategy of Swift Energy, competitive practices, and the requirements of the appropriate regulatory bodies. In addition, this committee evaluates and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the compensation of the directors. The Compensation Committee also evaluatesmay evaluate and approvesapprove any amendment, some which may require shareholder approval, to the Company’s existing equity-related plans and approves the adoption of any new equity-related plans, subject to shareholder and Board approval. The Compensation Committee is required to be comprised of at least three directors who arenon-employee directors and determined by the Board to be independent under SECapplicable Exchange Act rules and the NYSE’sNYSE listing standards. The Board has determined that all Compensation Committee members are independentqualify as defined by thenon-employee directors under applicable Exchange Act rules and NYSE listing standards or rules of the SEC and NYSE.standards. The report of the Compensation Committee is included below. Messrs. Smithas part of the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” of this proxy statement. Mr. Majeske (Committee Chair), Lanier, Matiuk, SaxtonEllisor and SwindellsWampler are members of theour current Compensation Committee.

Aon HewittLongnecker and Associates (“Longnecker”) has been engaged by the Compensation Committee since the fourth quarter of 2012Company’s emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016, to serve as its independent compensation consultant. Aon HewittThe Company did not utilize a compensation consultant prior to its emergence from bankruptcy during 2016. Longnecker reports directly to our Compensation Committee and has provided expert advice on the design and implementation of the Company’s compensation policies and programs.programs post-emergence. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no conflicts between Aon HewittLongnecker and any member of the Board. Aon Hewitt was also engaged, through an independent selection process of management, as the Company’s health and welfare benefits broker beginning April 2014; the fees paid to Aon Hewitt as the Company’s health and welfare benefits broker do not currently meet the threshold required for disclosure.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2014,2016 following the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board consisted of Messrs. Smith, Lanier, MatiukEllisor and Swindells,Wampler and Mr. Kirchof as Committee Chair, (until he was replaced as an SVP Designated Director on the Board pursuant to the Nomination Agreement on September 27, 2016), all of whom are independent directors. Mr. Saxton joined the Company’sdirectors for Compensation Committee in February 2015 when he became a director.standards. Mr. Majeske was appointed Chairman of the Compensation Committee on March 22, 2017, and is also an independent director for Compensation Committee purposes. Prior to Swift Energy’s emergence from January 1, 2016 through April 21, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board consisted of Messrs. Clyde W. Smith, Jr. (former Committee Chair), Douglas J. Lanier, Greg Matiuk, Ronald L. Saxton and Charles J. Swindells, all of whom were independent directors. To the Company’s knowledge, there are no compensation committee interlocks involving members of the Compensation Committee (including Mr. Saxton)(both past and present) or other directors of the Company.

Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee

The Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee identifies individuals qualified to become directors, nominates candidates for directorships and also recommends to the Board the membership of each of the Board’s committees. ThisSubject to the Nomination Agreement, this committee may consider nominees recommended by shareholders upon written request by a shareholder in accordance with the procedures for submitting shareholder proposals.shareholder. The Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee develops, monitors and recommends to the Board corporate governance principles and practices applicable to Swift Energy. The committee also assists management of the Company in identifying, screening

2015 Proxy Statement		| 11

and recommending to the Board individuals qualified to become executive officers of the Company. In addition, this committee administers the Company’s Conflict of Interest Policy. The Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee is required to be comprised of at least three directors who arenon-employee directors and determined by the Board to be independent under the NYSE listing standards and the rules of the SEC.Exchange Act rules. Messrs. MatiukDuginski (Committee Chair), Bruckmann, Saxton, SwindellsGeenberg and Ms. CannonRowland are members of the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee and, as determined by the Board, all are independent as defined in the NYSE listing standards and rules of the SEC. Prior to Swift Energy’s emergence

Executive

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from January 1, 2016 through April 21, 2016, the Corporate Governance Committee

The Executive Committee is authorized to act for (now the Nominating and Strategy Committee) of the Board at times when it is not convenient for the full Board to act as an assembled board, except where full Board action is required by applicable law. Any action taken by the Executiveconsisted of Messrs. Greg Matiuk (former Committee is required to be reported at the next full Board meeting. Messrs. T. Swift (Committee Chair), MatiukWilliam A. Bruckmann III, Ronald L. Saxton and Lanier are membersCharles J. Swindells and Ms. Deanna L. Cannon, all of the Executive Committee. Mr. Vincent was a member of the Executive Committee up until his retirement on February 15, 2015.whom were independent directors.

Board Leadership Structure; Meetings of Independent Directors; Role in Risk Oversight

Under Swift Energy’s Bylaws,While our Principles for Corporate Governance do not require that ourNon-Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer positions be separate, effective upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy and under the Plan of Directors may appointReorganization and the same personpresent terms of the Nomination Agreement, theNon-Executive Chairman position and the Chief Executive Officer position were separated. Mr. Rowland was appointed as theNon-Executive Chairman when he joined the Board in September 2016 and Mr. Woolverton was named Chief Executive Officer in March 2017.

The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate at this time as it allows our Chief Executive Officer to servemanage and lead theday-to-day business while allowing theNon-Executive Chairman to provide independent leadership to the Board.

At each executive session of the independent directors, Mr. Rowland as theNon-Executive Chairman of the Board presides. For purposes of Rule 303A.03 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, the term “independent directors” is equivalent to“non-management directors.”

Along with our separation of the Chairman of the Board and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that the Chief Executive Officer bears the primary responsibility for managing the day-to-day business of Swift Energy and is the most informed about the Company’s overall strategic direction, which makes him the best person at this time to lead the Company’s Board of Directors as Chairman and to ensure that key strategic business and governance issues are considered by the Board. This combined role promotes decisive leadership and clear accountability.

Mr. Terry E. Swift has served as Chairman of the Board since June 1, 2006, and as a director of the Company since May 2000, as the Chief Executive Officer of Swift Energy since May 2001, and as President since February 2015, having previously served as President of the Company from November 1997 to November 2004. The Board believes that having Mr. T. Swift fill the role of both Chairman and CEO remains the best leadership structure for Swift Energy.

Mr. T. Swift is joined in leadership of the Board by our Lead Director, Mr. Douglas Lanier, who is a non-management director. Mr. Lanier has significant Board experience, decades of oil and gas executive experience, and the experience of serving on two Board committees for Swift Energy, including the Executive Committee. As such, Mr. Lanier is a qualified advisor to Mr. T. Swift and makes himself available for consultation at all times. Weroles, we also have other checks and balances for our Board structure:

The full Board is responsible for general oversight of enterprise risk concerns inherent in our business. At each Board meeting, the Board receives reports from members of our senior management that help the Board assess the risks we face in the conduct of our business. Members of our senior technical staff frequently make presentations to the Board about current and planned exploration and development activities that may subject us to operational and financial risks. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, which are designed to address risks specific to financial reporting, with our internal auditors and independent accountants at least annually. Through the Company’s independent Audit, Compensation, and Corporate Governance committees, Swift Energy has established processes for the effective oversight of critical issues, such as integrity

of our financial statements by our Audit Committee, executive compensation by our Compensation Committee, and corporate governance, executive compensation, andincluding the selection of directors and director nominees.nominees by our Nominating and Strategy Committee.

Compensation of Directors

In accordance with its charter, the Compensation Committee periodically evaluates the compensation ofnon-employee directors for service on the Board and on Board committees. In consultation with an independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee recommends annual retainer and meeting fees fornon-employee directors and fees for service on Board committees, sets the terms and awards of any stock-based compensation and submits these recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval subject to shareholder approval, if required. Directors who are also employees of the Company or our significant shareholder, SVP, receive no additional compensation for service as directors.

In order to attract qualified directors following the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy, Messrs. Duginski, Ellisor and Wampler, ournon-employee directors, other than the Chairman of the Board or an SVP Designated Director, were offered a compensation package that was expected to include an equity award with an aggregate value equal to approximately 0.25% of the Company’s outstanding stock on the grant date. To date,one-third of such award (5,286 restricted stock units and 3,524 stock options) has been granted to Messrs. Duginski, Ellisor and Wampler. Restrictions on the restricted stock units that have been granted lapse on the first anniversary of the grant date. The stock options become exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant date and remain exercisable until the fifth anniversary of the grant date. Due to share limitations in the Company’s equity plan upon emergence from bankruptcy, it is expected that the remainingtwo-thirds of such award will be granted to each eligiblenon-employee director in future years.

Similarly, in order to recruit a qualifiednon-executive Chairman of the Board following the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy, Mr. Rowland, as Chairman of the Board, was offered a compensation package that was expected to include an equity award with an aggregate value equal to approximately 1.25% of the Company’s outstanding stock on the grant date. The award was granted in January 2017 and included 64,263 restricted stock units and 64,263 stock options. Restrictions on the restricted stock units lapse in three equal installments over a three-year period beginning September 26, 2017. The stock options become exercisable annually in three equal installments over a three year period beginning September 26, 2017, and remain exercisable until the fifth anniversary of the grant date. Mr. Rowland also received aone-time, nominal onboarding cash bonus of $1,000 as Chairman of the Board.

The above equity grants to ournon-employee directors and the Chairman of the Board wereone-time awards used to recruit qualifiednon-employee directors following Swift Energy’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy. The Compensation Committee has not approved an annual equity award program for ournon-employee directors at this time.

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The following table shows the annual cash compensation payable to ournon-employee directors following Swift Energy’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. The Compensation Committee has not approved an annual cash retainer for non-employee directors for 2014:service as Chairman of the Board at this time.

The below table sets forth certain summary information regarding actual compensation paid or accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the Company’snon-employee directors subsequent to Swift Energy’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016 through December 31, 2016:

The following table shows annual compensation payable to our formernon-employee directors prior to Swift Energy’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. This table includes both prior committees and directorships that are no longer effective in the reorganized Company.

2015 Proxy Statement		| 13April 22, 2016.

The followingbelow table sets forth certain summary information regarding actual compensation paid or accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the Company’s formernon-employee directors (excluding Messrs. Bruckmannprior to Swift Energy’s reorganization and Saxton, who did not become directors until February 2015)emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014:2016:

Name 2017 Proxy Statement		Stock Options   | 19			Restricted Stock Awards
Deanna L. Cannon			—				21,254
Douglas J. Lanier			—				21,254
Greg Matiuk			—				21,254
Clyde W. Smith, Jr.			—				21,254
Charles J. Swindells			—				21,254

Nominations for Directors

Identifying Candidates

The Corporate GovernanceSubject to the then-applicable terms of the Nomination Agreement, the Nominating and Strategy Committee, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board, is responsible for identifying and screening potential director candidates and recommending qualified candidates to the Board for nomination. The Committee will also consider director candidates recommended by the shareholders in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws. For information on how to recommend a director candidate, refer to “Shareholder Proposals” on page 61.in this proxy statement.

Qualifications

The Board codified standards for directors in the Board’sSwift Energy’s Principles for Corporate Governance. These principles provide that the Board should encompass a diverse range of talent and perspectives, skill and expertise sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to the Company’s operations and interests. The Principles for Corporate Governance also provide that at all times a majority of the Board must be “independent directors” as defined from time to time by the listing requirements of the NYSE and any specific requirements established by the Board. The Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee has not established a specific minimum or maximum age in any governing document, education, years of business experience or specific types of skills for potential director candidates; but, in general, consideration is given to each candidate’s reputation, mature judgment, career specialization, relevant technical skills, diversity and the extent to which the candidate would fill a present need on the Board.

The Company’s Principles for Corporate Governance require that each director:

We have not adopted a specific written policy with respect to diversity; however, the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee considers principles of diversity as a factor in evaluating nominees to recommend for service on our Board. As part of the Board’s succession planning and annual self-assessment process and in accordance with the terms of the then-applicable Nomination Agreement, the Board reviews the diversity of specific skills and characteristics necessary for the optimal functioning of the Board in its oversight of the Company over both the short and longer term. The Board’s succession planning requires the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee and the Board to assess the skill areas currently represented on the Board and those skill areas represented by directors expected to retire or leave the Board in the near future against the target skill areas established annually

by the Board, as well as recommendations of directors regarding skills that could improve the overall quality and ability of the Board to carry out its function. The Board then establishes the specific target skill areas or experiences that are to be the focus of a director search, when necessary. Specific qualities or experiences could include experience in the Company’s industry, financial or technological expertise, experience in situations comparable to the Company’s, leadership experience and relevant geographical experience. The effectiveness of the Board’s diverse mix of skills and experiences is also considered and reviewed as part of each Board self-assessment. For instance, through an evaluation of several qualified candidates for the Board during the second half of 2014, Messrs. Bruckmann and Saxton were selected to begin service in February 2015, in large part, due to their specialized banking, transactional and regulatory experience that the Board desired to enhance due to the Board’s current skill-set composition and the retirement of Mr. Vincent from the Board, also in February 2015.

Nomination of Candidates

In determining whether to nominate a candidate, either from an internally generated, or shareholder recommendation or appointment under the Corporate Governanceterms of the then-existing Nominating Agreement, the Nominating and Strategy Committee will consider the composition and capabilities of existing Board members, as well as additional capabilities considered necessary or desirable in light of existing and future Company needs. The Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee also exercises its independent business judgment and discretion in evaluating the suitability of any recommended candidate for nomination.

Corporate Governance

Part of the Company’s historical and ongoing corporate governance practices is the Company’s policy that requires officers, directors, employees and certain consultants of the Company to submit annual disclosure

2015 Proxy Statement		| 15

statements regarding their compliance with the Company’s Conflict of Interest Policy. A management representation letter is provided to the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee of the Board regarding the results of the annual disclosure statements and management’s assessment of any potential or actual conflict of interest. Based on this assessment and further discussion with management, the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee then directs management on what additional action, if any, the committee determines is necessary to be undertaken with regard to any potential or actual conflict of interest or related-party transaction.

The Company also requires that officers, directors, employees and certain consultants of the Company provide an annual reaffirmation of the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. A copy of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is redistributed in connection with this requirement, and each person is asked to reaffirm andre-acknowledge that they have reviewed and refreshed their knowledge of the provisions of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and will comply with such code. They also reaffirm their understanding that their continued service to the Company is dependent upon compliance with the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. In addition, all officers, directors, employees and certain consultants are required to annually recertify their understanding of, and adherence to, the Company’s Insider Trading Policy. A copy of the Insider Trading Policy is also redistributed in connection with this requirement.

Each of the Audit, Compensation and Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committees has a charter. Each such charter is reviewed annually by the applicable committee, and all of the charters are reviewed by the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee. The committee charters, the Board-adopted Principles for Corporate Governance and the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct are applicable to all employees and directors, and to certain consultants, and are posted on the Company’s website at www.swiftenergy.com. The committee charters, Principles for Corporate Governance and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct are also available in print, without charge, to any shareholder who requests a copy. Requests should be directed to the Company’s Investor Relations Department at 17001 Northchase Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77060; by telephone at (281) 874-2700 or (800) 777-2412; or by email to info@swiftenergy.com.

In addition, the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and Principal Executive Officer, as adopted by the Board, is posted on Swift Energy’s website, where the Company also intends to post any waivers from or amendments to this code.code within four business days following any such waiver or amendment.

Related-Party Transactions

We receiveFollowing the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016, no related-party transactions or relationships exist to the Company’s knowledge. Prior to our reorganization, we received research, technical writing, publishing, and website-related services fromTec-Com Inc., a corporation located in

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Knoxville, Tennessee which isand controlled and majority owned by Lorraine Abbott, the aunt of the Company’s Chairman of the Board,Terry E. Swift, our former Chief Executive Officer and President. This relationship is presented to the Corporate Governance Committee each year in the annual disclosure statement process as described above in “Corporate Governance.”Director. The contract withTec-Comwas originally renewed July 1, 2014, and was set to expire June 30, 2015. However, as the Company has recently done with many vendors due to the downturn in commodity prices, the Company and Tec-Com renegotiated the contract and entered into a new contractterminated effective March 2, 2015, which is set to expire June 30, 2016, with significantly reduced pricing31, 2016. We paidTec-Com, for the services. We paid approximately $0.58 million to Tec-Com for such services for 2014 pursuant to the terms of the contract, between the parties. We believe the compensation paid to Tec-Com is consistent with unrelated third-party arrangements for similar services.approximately $119,000 in 2016.

Other than the Company’s Conflict of Interest Policy, the Company has not adopted a formal related-party transaction policy. As a matter of corporate governance policy and practice, all related-party transactions are presented to and considered by the Corporate GovernanceNominating and Strategy Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. See the discussion set forth above under “Corporate Governance” regarding the Conflict of Interest Policy and related annual disclosure process used to identify and evaluate related-party transactions, if any, disclosed by our directors, officers, employees and certain consultants.

Director Emeritus

Mr. Virgil Swift served as a director from 1981 until the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders, at which time he was given the honorary title of Director Emeritus.Emeritus at the Company’s 2005 annual meeting of shareholders, a title he held through the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy. As this is an honorary distinction, no compensation iswas paid to Mr. V. Swift as Director Emeritus. TheMr. Swift had previously served as a director of Swift Energy from 1981 through the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders. In 2005, the full Board concluded that the service of Mr. V. Swift, due to his extensive experience with Swift Energy and the oil and gas industry, was an invaluable asset to the Company, and thus a consulting agreement was entered into with him.him which was in effect until the parties agreed to terminate the consulting agreement effective March 31, 2016, in conjunction with Swift Energy’s reorganization. As such, Mr. V. Swift regularly attendsattended Board and committee meetings. Mr. V. Swift received compensation during 2014 pursuant to a consulting agreement which has been in effect since July 2000 and was renewed on similar terms effective July 1, 2006 and amended on February 25, 2009. In 2014, Mr. V. Swift was paid approximately $5,860 per month under the consulting agreement. Pursuant to such agreement, and amendments, Mr. V. Swift providesalso provided advisory services to key employees, officers and directors, and as otherwise requested by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer andand/or President. The monthly payment will increase by four percent (4%) per year as a resultMr. Swift received compensation of an annual inflation provision. Theapproximately $18,500 during 2016 pursuant to his consulting agreement. During the first quarter of 2016, the parties agreed to terminate the consulting agreement is terminable by either party without cause upon two weeks’ written notice.effective March 31, 2016.

Retired PresidentChief Executive Officer and Director

Mr. Bruce H. Vincent, 67,Terry E. Swift, 61, retired as PresidentChief Executive Officer and a director of Swift Energy effective February 15, 2015, and resigned as a member of the Board of Directors as of that same date, after serving the Company for 25 years.October 7, 2016. Mr. Vincent servedSwift was elected as a director of Swift Energy in May 2000 and was previously appointed Chairman of the Board from June 2006 through April 2016. He served as Chief Executive Officer from May 20052001 until his retirement, and as President of the Company from November 2004 until his retirement. HeFebruary 2015 through April 2016, having previously served in a variety of strategic roles for the Company, including Secretaryas President of the Company from November 1997 to November 2004. He also served as Chief Operating Officer from 1991 to February 2008 until August 20122000 and from August 2000 until May 2005, as Executive Vice President — Corporate Development from August 20001991 to November 2004,1997. Mr. Swift served in other progressive positions of responsibility since joining the Company in 1981. He was an executive officer of Swift Energy when it filed for relief under the Bankruptcy Code on December 31, 2015, and as Senior Vice President — Funds Managementthroughout the Company’s reorganization and emergence from 1990 (when he joined the Company) to 2000.bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. Mr. Vincent is a recent Immediate Past Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America andSwift holds the degrees of Bachelor of ArtsScience in Chemical Engineering and Master of Business Administration. He is the son of the late A. Earl Swift, founder of Swift Energy, and the nephew of Virgil N. Swift, who served as Director Emeritus until March 2016.

In connection with his retirement, Mr. VincentSwift and the Company entered into an Agreement and Release pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement effective April 22, 2016, and a retirementsix month consulting services agreement to assist in the transition of new executive management and certain Company matters, which is further discussed further in “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” on page 52.the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” of this proxy statement. As Mr. VincentSwift served the Company as President at December 31, 2014,Chief Executive Officer until October 7, 2016, he is a Named Executive Officer as discussed in this proxy statement.

2015 Proxy Statement 22 |		| 172017 Proxy Statement

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth information concerning the shareholdings of each person who, to the Company’s knowledge, beneficially owned more than five percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock as of February 28, 2015:2017:

20152017 Proxy Statement		| 1923

Security Ownership of Management

The following table sets forth information concerning the shareholdings of the members of the Board, the Named Executive Officers as defined on page 34 oflater in this proxy statement, and all executive officers and directors as a group, as of February 13, 2015:28, 2017:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

TheIn general, the Board appoints the executive officers of the Company annually. Information regarding Terry E. Swift,Sean C. Woolverton, Chief Executive Officer and President,Director, is set forth previously in this proxy statement under “Proposal 1 — Election“Continuing Members of Directors”the Board of Directors,” and information regarding Bruce H. Vincent,Terry E. Swift, retired President,Chief Executive Officer and Director, is set forth previously in this proxy statement under “Retired PresidentChief Executive Officer and Director.” Set forthShown below is certain information, as of the date of this proxy statement, concerning the other executive officers of the Company.

Christopher M. Abundis, 39, was appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary on March 20, 2017, and leads the Company’s legal and administration efforts including Legal, Human Resources, Corporate Services and Records. From April 2016 to March 2017, Mr. Abundis was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for the Company. He has also served the Board of Directors as Secretary of the Company, a position that he has held since August 2012. From February 2007 to August 2012, Mr. Abundis served as Assistant Secretary of the Company and has provided legal consultation in corporate governance, securities law and other corporate related matters in progressive positions of responsibility including Senior Counsel, Counsel and Associate Corporate Counsel. He was an officer of Swift Energy when it filed for relief under the Bankruptcy Code on December 31, 2015, and throughout the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. Mr. Abundis received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accounting from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.

Robert J. Banks, 60, was appointed62, serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in Februarya position that he has held since 2008. Effective October 7, 2016 through March 1, 2017, Mr. Banks was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company along with maintaining his roles of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. From 2006 to 2008, he served as Vice President — International Operations and Strategic Ventures. Mr. Banks hasis also served as Vice President — International Operations of the Company’s subsidiary, Swift Energy International, and has served as an officer of such company since he joined the Company in 2004. He was an executive officer of Swift Energy when it filed for relief under the Bankruptcy Code on December 31, 2015, and throughout the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. Mr. Banks has 3840 years of experience in both U.S. and international exploration and production activities. His responsibilities have included exploration, development, exploitation and acquisition projects. Prior to joining Swift Energy, Mr. Banks held executive-level positions at Vanco Energy Company, Mosbacher Energy Company, and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Company, and senior-level positions at Santa Fe International Corporation. His direct project responsibilities have included exploration and production operations in 13 different countries in North America, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Pacific Rim. Mr. Banks holds thea BSc degree of Bachelor of Science.from The Pennsylvania State University.

Alton D. Heckaman, Jr., 58,60, was appointed Executive Vice President of Swift Energy in November 2004 and Chief Financial Officer in August 2000. He serves as2000 and served in such a role until his retirement on March 20, 2017. Up until his retirement, he was the Company’s principal financial officer and principal accounting officer under SEC guidelines. Mr. Heckaman previously served as Senior Vice President — Finance from August 2000 until November 2004 and served in other progressive positions of responsibility since joining the Company in 1982. He was an executive officer of Swift Energy when it filed for relief under the Bankruptcy Code on December 31, 2015, and throughout the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. Mr. Heckaman is a Certified Public Accountant and holds the degrees of Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Business Administration. Additional information about Mr. Heckaman’s retirement is further discussed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” of this proxy statement.

Steven L. Tomberlin, 57,58, was appointed Senior Vice President — Resource Development and Engineering in February 2012.2012 and held that position until his resignation effective May 12, 2016. Mr. Tomberlin previously served as Vice President — Resource Development and Engineering from December 2009 to February 2012, and as Director of Reservoir Management and Technology from 2008 (when he joined the Company) to 2009. He was an executive officer of Swift Energy when it filed for relief under the Bankruptcy Code on December 31,

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2015, and throughout the Company’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy on April 22, 2016. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tomberlin held key positions with BP Production America as Director — Director—Decommissioning from February 2008 to October 2008 and as Manager — Operations Technical Group from January 2005 to January 2008. HeMr. Tomberlin has over thirty years of experience in the oil and gas industry in the areas of exploration and development of properties in theMid-Continent, Gulf Coast onshore and Gulf of Mexico regions. Mr. Tomberlinregions and holds the degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

G. Gleeson Van Riet, 48, was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Swift Energy on March 20, 2017. He serves as the Company’s principal financial officer under SEC guidelines. Mr. Van Riet was previously the Chief Financial Officer of Sanchez Energy Corporation, where he held a series of positions of increasing responsibility from April 2013 to March 2016. From 2012 until 2013, Mr. Van Riet worked at Excetus Partners, a consulting firm advising private equity firms investing in the energy industry. Prior to that, he was an investment banker with Credit Suisse and also previously worked for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Mr. Van Riet has over 20 years of finance experience. He earned a dual Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.

2015 Proxy Statement 26 |		| 212017 Proxy Statement

PROPOSAL 2 —2: APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED 2005 SWIFT ENERGY COMPANY STOCK COMPENSATION2016 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE 20052016 PLAN AND TO INCREASE ANNUAL AWARD LIMITS UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 162(m)

At the annual meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Swift Energy Company 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), which increases the number of shares available under the 2016 Plan by 600,000 shares and makes certain other ministerial changes to reflect changes in applicable accounting guidance. As explained in greater detail below, we believe approval of the First Amendment is advisable in order to ensure that we have an adequate number of shares available under the 2016 Plan for our compensation programs.

Executive SummaryBackground and Purpose of the Proposal

Shareholders are being asked to approve an amendment to The Second Amended2016 Plan was originally approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in connection with our Plan of Reorganization and Restated Swift Energy Company 2005 Stock Compensation Plan (the “2005 Plan”) that would:became effective on April 22, 2016, the date we emerged from bankruptcy. Upon emergence, there were 582,011 shares available for grant under the 2016 Plan.

Increase in NumberThe purpose of Shares Available for Issuance

We are seeking shareholder approvalthe First Amendment is to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available(the “Common Stock”) that we may grant under the 20052016 Plan. On February 13, 2017, our Board unanimously approved the First Amendment, subject to shareholder approval at the annual meeting. If the First Amendment is not approved by shareholders, the 2016 Plan will continue in effect in its present form. If the First Amendment is approved by shareholders, we intend to file, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), a registration statement on FormS-8 to register the additional shares of Common Stock available for award by 1 million shares. The 2005 Plan is designedissuance under the 2016 Plan.

We believe that approval of the First Amendment will give us the flexibility to offer equity-based incentivemake stock-based awards and cash incentivesother awards permitted under the 2016 Plan over the next three years in amounts determined to be appropriate by the Committee (as defined below); however, this timeline is simply an estimate used to determine the number of additional common shares requested pursuant to the First Amendment and future circumstances may require a change to expected equity grant practices. These circumstances include but are not limited to the future price of our employees, thereby providing a proprietary interestCommon Stock, award levels and amounts provided by our competitors and our hiring activity over the next few years. The closing market price of our Common Stock as of February 28, 2017, was $29.25 per share, as reported on the OTCQX Best Market.

As of February 28, 2017, the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was 11,465,688. Following our annual equity awards made in pursuingMarch 2017, we have approximately 4,000 shares remaining in the long-term growth, profitability2016 Plan. The potential dilution of issuing the remaining shares in the 2016 Plan (which is the number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the 2016 Plan, divided by the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding) is negligible. If the First Amendment is approved by shareholders, the potential dilution from issuances authorized under the 2016 Plan related to the newly-approved shares will increase to approximately 5.23%. The total potential dilution from the shares originally reserved for the 2016 Plan (582,011) and financial successthe newly-approved shares if the First Amendment is approved will be approximately 10.5%. While we are aware of the Company. The 2005 Plan is broad-basedpotential dilutive effect of compensatory equity awards, we also recognize the significant motivational and designed, as a general matter,performance benefits that may be achieved from making such awards.

Consequences of Failing to Approve the Proposal

Failure of our shareholders to approve this proposal will mean that we only have approximately 4,000 shares to grant equity awards on an annual basis to a majorityunder the terms of the Company’s2016 Plan. As such, if this proposal is not approved, in order to incentivize our employees, although future grant awardswe will have to developnon-equity, long-term compensation alternatives, likely in the form of cash-based awards. If the First Amendment is not approved by shareholders, the 2016 Plan will remain in effect in its current form.

2017 Proxy Statement		| 27

Description of the Swift Energy Company 2016 Equity Incentive Plan

A summary description of the material features of the 2016 Plan, as amended to reflect the First Amendment, is set forth below. The following summary does not purport to be a complete description of all the provisions of the 2016 Plan and grant recipients have not been determined. Therefore,is qualified in its entirety by reference to (i) the number, amount2016 Plan, a copy of which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our FormS-8 (FileNo. 333-210936), filed on April 27, 2016 and type(ii) the First Amendment, which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement and incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Purpose of the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan

The purpose of the 2016 Plan is to further the growth and profitability of the Company by increasing incentives and encouraging Common Stock ownership on the part of employees, officers,non-employee directors, consultants and independent contractors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company seeks to achieve the 2016 Plan’s purpose primarily by providing grants of a variety of awards (collectively referred to be received by or allocated to eligible persons in the future under the 2005 Plan cannot be determined at this time. As the administrator of the 2005 Plan, we deem the following points relevant in considering this portion of the proposal:as “Awards”), including but not limited to:

The 2016 Plan, in part, is intended to qualify under the provisions of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which governs Incentive Options. The 2016 Plan is not have an evergreen provision, that would allow for automatic replenishment of available sharessubject to the 2005provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. No awards may be granted under the 2016 Plan without shareholder approval.after 10 years from the date the 2016 Plan was approved by the Board. The 2016 Plan shall remain in effect until all Awards granted under the 2016 Plan have been exercised, satisfied, forfeited or expired.

Code Section 162(m) LimitationAdministration of the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan

At thisA committee of two or more members of the Board (the “Committee”) administers the 2016 Plan. Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2016 Plan, the Committee shall have the power from time we do not anticipate any material changes to our compensation program designtime to: