Registration is underway for one of Ocean County's most challenging annual summer competitions.

The Boyd Memorial one-mile open ocean swim, takes place during the last weekend of this month on Sunday, July 27th in Seaside Heights from the Lincoln Avenue Beach. Seaside Heights Beach Patrol Captain Rob Connor said participants will swim from Lincoln Avenue, the borough's most south end beach, to the most north end beach, which is at Hiering Avenue."

"The swimmers go out, we have about ten buoys and they swim around the buoys and they come in to the finish line. We have electronic timing so they wear a chip that will give them the exact electronic time of each competitor," said Connor.

Swimmers can compete in three different divisions. There's a High School Division, a Master's Division (which is 55 and up) and also an Open Division.

"It's definitely a very competitive race and the top four finishers receive awards," said Connor.

However, Connor warns that it's not for everyone, "It will test you. It will test you and it's not for every swimmer. It's not for someone that thinks that they're just going to come in. It's something that you have to be a pretty experienced ocean swimmer to compete in this event."

Just in case, there will be help on hand for swimmers who may have gotten in "over their heads", so to speak. Connor said there will be an impressive array of lifeguards on duty with all their gear out in the ocean to keep an eye on those participating in the race.

Connor said you can register for the Boyd Memorial Swim, in person at any one of the North end or South end lifeguard stations. Participants can also register the day of the event, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the North end Life Guard Headquarters at Kearney Avenue. You can also register on line at www.jchpusa.com/events.

If you're not planning to swim in the competition, you can still participate by cheering the swimmers on and joining a beach barbecue and an awards ceremony, hosted by 105.7 the Hawk, to follow for just $10.

Connor said excess funds raised will be donated to the Boyd Elementary School and they're also hoping to raise enough funds to donate to Hometown Heroes.

More From Beach Radio