Annual ‘Blessing of the Ocean’ Honors Two 40-Year Lavallette Guard Veterans

Lifeguards are honored during St. Pio’s Blessing of the Water in Lavallette, Aug. 2023. (Photo: Anita Zalom)

Lavallette stopped to thank two of its most experienced lifeguards over this past week, both of whom have dedicated the majority of their life’s summers to making sure others were safe to enjoys theirs.

Each summer, St. Pio Roman Catholic Church in Lavallette holds an annual “Blessing of the Waters,” which calls for God’s help in looking after swimmers, boaters and anyone who loves the ocean. But the event also honors those who do the heavy lifting on Earth – this year, recognizing Jack and Joseph Caucino, who have both been serving as Lavallette guards for 40 years.

Lifeguards are honored during St. Pio’s Blessing of the Water in Lavallette, Aug. 2023. (Photo: Anita Zalom)

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Lifeguards are honored during St. Pio’s Blessing of the Water in Lavallette, Aug. 2023. (Photo: Anita Zalom)

The Caucino family has been integral to the success of the Lavallette Beach Patrol for decades. Capt. Jack Caucino leads the squad alongside Lt. Joseph Caucino. The younger generation of the family has followed in their footsteps, with Sgt. Tara Caucino rising through the ranks as well.

“I had to stop by to thank them and give some accolades for our beach team,” said Borough Council President Anita Zalom, who shared some photos of the Blessing of the Water with Shorebeat.

Lifeguards are honored during St. Pio’s Blessing of the Water in Lavallette, Aug. 2023. (Photo: Anita Zalom)

Congratulations, and thank you to the Caucino family for keeping all of us safe over the years!

St. Pio’s annual Blessing of Water recognizes the Holy Day of the Assumption of Mary into heaven, when tradition has it there is a “cure in the water” for all who take a swim that day.