Over 250 Swimmers Brave Atlantic for Jack Wright Mile Swim

On a Saturday morning with not a cloud in the sky, over 250 individuals donning wet suits and swimming caps braved the water and took part in the annual Jack Wright Ocean Mile Swim in Bradley Beach.

This event, which kicked off at 9:30 a.m., was named after Jack Wright. He was a patrolman in the Bradley Beach Police Department who was killed while attempting to foil a robbery attempt back in 1976.

The swim began at the Kent Avenue beachfront and concluded after the third jetty on the beach, located near the 2^nd Ave beach.

Bradley Beach Chief Lifeguard and Beach Manager Dick Johnson said this was one of his favorite events of the year, and he is always amazed by the turnout from the local community for this event.

“This is always an enjoyable time,” he said. When asked for what kind of advice he would give the participants, he laughed and noted, “Just get out there and swim.”

Many competitors came from all over the state to compete in this event, including Lars Brown of Voorhees. He said along with his wife, he enjoys these competitions, and though he was not looking to win, he was just happy to “enjoy a nice swim.” 

“We just like to get out there, relax and enjoy the swim,” he said.

He added that he actually enjoys swimming in the ocean more than swimming in pools, and he said that his trick is using the waves to help propel him while swimming. 

“You have to use the waves to your advantage,” he said. “I think they make the swim more fun, and at least the swim is set up in a way that you’re traveling along with the waves, rather than against them.”

Many individuals were in the crowd cheering on their siblings as well, including Samantha Lerner, 13, of West Windsor. She noted she had two sisters swimming in the competition, and was proud of them for doing so.

“I’m just happy to be here and cheer them on,” she said.

Other individuals actually used this mile swim as preparation for bigger contests, like Kevin Kattman of Hillsborough, who will be competing in the Lake Placid triathlon in a few weeks. His wife, Caroline, noted this is actually the first time her husband would be swimming in the ocean, and he thought it would be good practice to take part in such an event. 

“He’s used to swimming in lakes and rivers, rarely oceans, so this is a good opportunity for him,” she said. “Plus it’s a beautiful morning here, how can you beat this?”

The winner of this event for the men was Bradley Beach lifeguard Matt Nunnaly, and for the girls it was Victoria Cassidy. Both finished with unofficial times around the 17-minute mark. Due to the July 4^th holiday, scores will not be posted on the boroughs website, bradleybeachonline.com, until Tuesday, July 5 at the earliest.

One of the many participants who came out of the water near the front of the pack was Basking Ridge resident Steve Droste. He said this was one of the first times he participated in such an event, and enjoyed doing so.

“This was great,” he said. “My trick was to get behind another swimmer and draft behind them, blocking the wind, but that actually didn’t seem to work too well.”

In the end, however, Johnson said this was a great event, and was one of the most successful swims they have held in the borough.

“It was a real good finish, and a real beautiful day for a swim,” he said.