New location for Aug. 19 Licata swim LONG BRANCH - The third annual Ray Licata Memorial Swim will held Aug. 19 at a new location at Pier Village on the Long Branch oceanfront. The event is being co-sponsored by the Long Branch Department of Recreation. Over the past two years, the swim has raised more than $18,000. The funds have been used by the city of Long Branch to purchase lifesaving equipment 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 on the swim. 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 is held in memory of Ray Licata, an area resident who enjoyed the beach and did his part to promote shoreline safety. In August 2004, Licata, who was 59, was swimming at the West End beach in Long Branch and collapsed and died after swimming. He had served as an administrator for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services for 34 years, retiring in 2002. He also volunteered for the county Sept. 11 Memorial Project and the 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 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 more information, visit the Web site at www.RayLicataMemorial-Swim.com or call (732) 222-2932.