3rd Ray Licata Swim to take place Aug. 19

Organizers of the Ray Licata Memorial Swim pose with equipment donated with the proceeds of last year's swim.

LONG BRANCH - - The third annual Ray Licata Memorial Swim will be held Aug. 19 at a new location at Pier Village on the Long Branch oceanfront.

The event is co-sponsored by the Long Branch Department of Recreation. Over the past two years, the swim has raised more than $18,000 which has been used by the City of Long Branch to purchase a certified lifeboat, portable defibrillator, Jet Ski and an ATV.

All of the equipment is in use to protect the residents, vacationers and visitors to the Long Branch beachfront, according to a press release from swim organizers.

This year's event is expected to attract more than 300 swimmers, adults and children, to participate in the 1-mile course and fun swim.

The 1-mile swim will start at 8 a.m. followed by the fun swim.

The 1-mile swim memorializes the late Ray Licata, who loved the beach and always did his part to support shoreline safety.

In August 2004, Licata was swimming at West End beach when he collapsed on the beach and died shortly after.

Licata served as an administrator for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services for 34 years, retiring in 2002. He also volunteered for the county 9/11 Memorial project and Deal Lake Commission.

As an avid swimmer along the West End beachfront, Licata knew the waters well and in those rare instances when the lifeguards needed assistance or an extra set of hands, Licata was there, according to the release.

Licata also took care of the beach and 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, the release states.

He recognized the importance of the lifeguard's role and commented shortly before his death about organizing an ocean mile swim in Long Branch. For information visit www.RayLicataMem-orialSwim.com or call (732) 222-2932.