On Sunday, August 21, 2016, the “12th Annual Ray Licata Memorial Swim and Walk Along” will occur, in Pier Village, Long Branch to raise funds for swimmer safety in the town. The idea to start  the swim came from the passing of Ray Licata, a Jersey Shore local resident, who supported swimmer safety.  Ray loved to swim, especially on the West End beach front. Due to his love for swimming, he knew the waters well, and during times when the lifeguards may have needed assistance, Ray was always available. He acknowledged the role that lifeguards play in ocean safety and before his death he commented on creating an ocean mile swim in Long Branch. Unfortunately, Ray died shortly after an afternoon swim. It is believed that his cause of death was arrhythmia, and it is possible if  the lifeguards had a portable defibrillator, Ray would still be alive. The swim’s purpose is to raise money for devices and safety equipment for future swimmers who may need it.

This summer’s race will begin at 8 am and swimmers should meet at the Pier Village boardwalk. Registration will be held from 6:30 to 7:45 am, however, advanced online registration and mail registration can be completed via the race’s website, at https://sites.google.com/site/raylicatamemorialswim/home. The race takes place along the coastline in Long Branch and participants are bused north from Pier Village to the start line. For non-swimmers who are  still eager to participate, there is a  walk along on the boardwalk, where the race begins and it concludes at the same finish line in Long Branch.  Swimmers will be directed to stay within race boundaries and lifeguards will have a presence in and out of the water.  Once swimmers finish, they will be given a number and will be directed to a results station. When the race ends, there will be an awards ceremony where awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group and overall. On the day of the swim, hundreds of people are expected to show up and join the fun.

Source : https://sites.google.com/site/raylicatamemorialswim/