Every year, the Barnegat Light Ocean Mile Swim has plenty of first-timers amid the hundreds competing. Among that crowd two years ago – the last time the race was contested – were Rob and Kerry Morrison of Hoboken, taking on the challenge together.

“I used to be a pool lifeguard in Maplewood years ago and I competed in some triathlons until 2006, but I’ve never done an open-water swim in the ocean,” said Kerry, the second-to-last female across the line, who finished in 288th overall at 40:58.84.