Some 52 events showcased races across all four strokes. The league has approximately 800 swimmers and the meets are run entirely by parent volunteers. 
This summer, young swimmers, ages 6 and under to 17 from seven beach clubs participated in the North Shore Swim League. 
The Chapel Beach Club Aquamaniacs were undefeated this year in the North Shore Swim League.
By Kaya Jones
SEA BRIGHT – “Swimmers, step up. Take your marks.” The buzz of the starter rings out as six swimmers dive into the pool, each one intent on touching the wall at the other end first.
The North Shore League has been a summer tradition in Monmouth County for over 50 years. The swim league has evolved over the decades, with teams coming and going due to structure fires and hurricane damage, club ownership changes, new leagues, COVID and more, but the common goal has always been to swim – and have fun doing it. In fact, many of today’s parents remember swimming the same events here when they were kids.
This summer, seven beach clubs came together to compete in the league: Ship Ahoy, Sands, Surfrider, Seabright Beach Club, Chapel, Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis and Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion.
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening in July these teams faced off in a round-robin tournament. The dual meets were composed of 52 events and showcased races across all four strokes for age groups ranging from 6 and under to age 17. The league has approximately 800 swimmers and the meets are run entirely by parent volunteers.
While no official records are kept, the league has become quite competitive over the last few years. Surfrider dominated for the better part of a decade – until Chapel managed to narrowly outswim them in 2023. This year, the Chapel Beach Club Aquamaniacs came back again, stronger than ever, and went undefeated for the second year in a row.
Harley Pelletiere has competed for Chapel since she was 5 years old and aged out of the league after this season. She has many fond memories of summer swim but her favorite from this year was during her last event anchoring the girls’ relay. “All the little kids were standing in the shallow end cheering my name and watching me swim the last time for Chapel. I love how tight of a group Chapel swim team is, and that is a memory I will never forget.”
She is excited to see Chapel’s hard work pay off. “I think the secret was to never give up and that when it’s time, you will shine. I am so happy to be a part of such a passionate team and will definitely be coming back next year to watch and cheer on my old teammates.”
Jennamarie Neylan, the head coach at Chapel Beach Club since 2013, loves being a part of summer swim. “The Chapel swim team provides an opportunity for all swimmers to form friendships, improve stroke technique, build confidence, and demonstrate good sportsmanship, all while having fun,” she said.
She attributes their new winning streak to the broader team mentality. “At Chapel, we have a dedicated coaching staff, coachable swimmers, enthusiastic parents and incredible support from our club owners. All of these factors working together continue to set us up for success,” Neylan said.
Kaya Jones is a rising fifth grader at Rumson’s Forrestdale School and has been an Aquamaniac for five years.
