Ray Licata Memorial
Long Branch Ocean Swim
21 Cedar Avenue
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
732-222-2932
RayLicataMemorialSwim.com
Greetings!
We are now entering our sixth year for the Ray Licata Memorial Swim, co-sponsored by the Long Branch Department of Recreation. We are delighted to report that over the past five years, the swim has raised over $37,000. Funds have been used by the City of Long Branch to purchase two certified lifeboats, a portable defibrillator, a Jet Ski and an ATV. All of this equipment is now available and in use to protect the many residents, vacationers, and visitors to the Long Branch beachfront. We thank all the sponsors and participants who have contributed generously to the past success of this swim and community event.
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Bill Krug and Ray Licata
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Since the Ray Licata Memorial Swim started in 2005, we have worked to improve the quality of our event. A notable change in 2007 was the relocation of our swim to Pier Village. In addition to allowing hundreds of spectators the opportunity to look on and participate in the day’s activity, Pier Village also allows our swim to proceed in the direction of the ocean current
As we plan for our sixth swim event, we hope to see more than 300 swimmers (adults and children) participate in the 1-mile course and Fun Swim.
This year the Ray Licata Memorial Swim will be held Sunday, August 15, 2010. The One Mile Swim will start at 8:00am followed by the Fun Swim.
The One Mile Swim memorializes the untimely passing of a remarkable individual, Ray Licata, who as a Jersey Shore resident loved the beach and always did his part to support shoreline safety. Ray served as an Administrator for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services for 34 years, retiring in 2002. He also volunteered for the 9/11 Memoria Project and Deal Lake Commission. As an avid swimmer along the West End beachfront, he knew the waters well and in those rare instances when the lifeguards needed assistance or an extra set of hands, Ray was there. Ray took care of the beach. He could often be seen collecting unsightly trash, providing instruction to young children during their first experiences in the ocean, and occasionally helping with rescue efforts. He recognized the importance of the lifeguard's role and commented shortly before his death about organizing an Ocean Mile Swim in Long Branch. We are proud that Ray’s children, Theresa McConnell and Ray Licata, Jr. play an active role in the organization of this event.
This year, proceeds from the swim will be earmarked to support a junior lifeguard program. This program will teach children and adolescents the basic requirements of beachfront safety, swimming, and lifeguard skills. We are hoping to give young members of our community, particularly those who do not have the financial resources to enroll in this program, an opportunity to learn how to promote ocean safety and potentially become a member of the Long Branch lifeguard team. Last year we raised enough money to send over 100 children through the program; in 2010 we hope to match or exceed this result.
Thank you.
Glen Rassas
Committee Chairman/Race Director
Committee Members
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