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Friends Remember Ray Licata With Memorial Swim
LONG BRANCH - Ray Licata was a familiar presence on the beaches of Long Branch. A lifelong swimmer, he often lent a hand to the lifeguards when the waters were rough.
Licata died unexpectedly six years ago after a swim.
Every year for the past five years, his friends and family members have remembered him by holding a fundraising swim in his memory to benefit the Long Branch lifeguards.
"He was a real genuine friend," said Glenn Rassas. "He always thought about others and cared for others. He always liked to share experiences that he enjoyed, especially his love for swimming. He had an appreciation for the beachfront and the enjoyment it provided people. He was there just about every day."
Licata swam just about every day, Rassas said, and so it was fitting that he be remembered in a way that reflected his love for the ocean.
"He'd mentioned in the past that it would be nice if Long Branch had a swim just like the neighboring communities," Rassas said.
"We had discussed a way to do something in memory of him, and we approached Mayor Schneider about the idea of a swim. He referred us to the Director of Recreation, Carl Jennings. We worked together." Money raised from past swims has underwritten the purchase of a defibrillator, two rescue boats, an all terrain vehicle and a wave-runner This year, money raised from the swim will go towards the junior lifeguard program, which aims to educate children about swimmer safety and provide scholarships to kids who otherwise couldn't participate.
"We're trying to help children from the inner cities to participate in this junior lifeguard program." Rassas said.
The swim has drawn as many as 245 swimmers while approximately 50 people have participated in the "fun swim."
We've had a lot of spectators on hand, too, Rassas.
This year's swim will take place on Sunday, August 23 at 8 a.m. Further information on the swim is available on the web at www.raylicatamemorialswim.com.
