LAVALLETTE – The Lavallette Beach Patrol kept a particularly close eye on the shoreline for the 41st Annual Mid-Summer Ocean Swim.
The Beach Patrol hosted the early morning event that had more than 150 swimmers line up at Philadelphia Avenue and the borough boardwalk at 7 a.m. Swimmers started at President Avenue and went south to Elizabeth and Princeton Avenues.
Although it had been cancelled due to weather the previous two years, it is the longest-running open water swim in New Jersey.
The top three male and female finishers took home Visa Gift Cards. Medals were presented to the top finishers in categories from 14 plus to 70 plus. This year’s race served to benefit the Lavallette Beach Patrol and the NJ Swim Safety Alliance’s efforts in water safety.
Lavallette resident Judith Leblein Josephs who heads the NJ Swim Safety Alliance (NJSSA) explained “this is a point-to-point swim and to make the swim experience even more awesome, swimmers will be swimming either south to north or north to south dependent on ocean conditions. It is a great race for beginners through masters’ swimmers.”
She added, “participants that brought a new child’s bathing suit were entered into a contest to win a Family Four Pack at Breakwater Beach Waterpark in Seaside Heights. The NJRPA/NJSSA/Dolfin Bathing Suit and Goggle Drive is a statewide effort to provide new bathing suits to children in our cities so they can attend free swimming lessons.”
There were two divisions: Open and Wetsuit. Pre-registration was $40 and included a commemorative T-Shirt, water bottle sticker, light refreshments, and a chance to win gift cards and medals. Registration on the day of was $50.
Lavallette Beach Patrol Chief Jack Caucino, who is an open water champion himself, said that the Beach Patrol was “pleased to bring back our mile ocean swim. Over the years it has been one of the most iconic open water races. This year’s version had something for every level of competitor.”
“This race was not only for the top swimmers but for the recreational swimmer who may be trying an open water swim for the first time. It’s due to the friendly atmosphere and welcoming spirit of Lavallette’s residents. We do this with a large presence of lifeguards in the water to help them along on their personal best.” Josephs said, “the Ocean County Drone Unit followed the race and provided aerial photography. It was epic. Back after two down years, we had over 150 swimmers ages 10 – 80 from New Jersey and other states and even some international visitors who happened to be here in town for the race.”
