Malick swims in 37-degree water on Sun. Jan. 15 to benefit five-year-old Nate Meehan, who suffers from autism.

Like many seashore residents, Avalon’s Jason Malick is a sucker for adventure on the high seas, except that the 30-year-old doesn’t use a boat.

The University of Florida graduate is not intimidated by 37-degree waters as was the case last Sunday when he and Newark, Delaware’s, Lalane Rossouw-Bancroft, embarked on an awareness swim off of Malick’s 24th Street dock in Avalon.
The one-mile frigid jaunt was made to raise awareness to the plight of 5-year-old Nate Meehan, who suffers from autism. His parents are Ted and Alison Meehan. Mom is also a swimmer.

“We’re hoping to raise awareness and money to buy Nate a service dog,” said Malick, who also has a home in his native Wilmington, Delaware. “People can go to AustismservicesofAmerica.com to make a donation.”

By regular mail, donors can send a check to Autism Service Dogs of America, 5232 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, Oregon, 97217. Write the name of Nate Meehan in the memo portion of the check.

In addition to parlaying his love of swimming into good-will efforts, Malick also thrives on mental toughness in conquering the challenges of marathon swimming. Last Sunday’s effort, though just a mile, was equivalent to an endless distance due to the conditions.

“It felt like a marathon,” said Malick, who grew up along the Mullica River in Sweetwater. “When that ocean liner ran aground in Italy last week I read that people can survive in 30-degree water for about 45 minutes. It certainly requires mental strength as well as endurance.”

Rossouw-Bancroft is affiliated with the International Ice Swimming Association based in South Africa. Membership requires documented evidence of a one mile swim in waters below 41 degrees and without benefit of kayak assistance and, most importantly, without use of a wet suit.

“We’re only permitted a swim suit, goggles and a cap,” said Malick, who never swam competitively as a Gator or as a Brandywine High School student. “We’ll submit an application after this swim. There’s only one American in the Association up to now.”

The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched a 25-foot cutter with crew members Scott Dymacek, Bryant Wilson, Ed Kozlowski and Graham McGinnis. The Avalon Emergency Medical Services crew included Jon and Mike along with nurse Jackie Lutz. Bill Bancroft and Bill Shipp were also along for support. Avalon Patrolman Hewitt was there as were the N.J. State Police to check for the proper permits, which the pair had already secured.

Kayakers Mark Lutz, Suzanna Aguilar Dann and Sarah Watson offered moral support.

Rossouw-Bancroft completed the frigid goodwill effort in 35 minutes while Malick reached the dock in 41 minutes.

Malick enjoys anything pertaining to the water, including kayaking and surf skiing. He likes to run on trails and the beach for what he termed “the added challenge.” He said he follows Gator sports, including the exploits of Florida graduate Tim Tebow.

He especially enjoys the camaraderie within the distance swimming community.

“I enjoy the networking among marathon swimmers along the way and the humbling experience of enjoying the beauty of nature and in particular marine life,” he said. “The most challenging part of distance swimming is that feeling of not going anywhere when you are fighting against a tide. And then afterwards you can have a sore throat or swollen tongue from the salt water, a chafed neck, and really bad sunburn especially on the back of your legs, back, and triceps.”

The 6-2, 210-pounder said the most difficult part of the Sunday swim was the recovery.
“The EMTs checked our vitals,” he said. “They didn’t say anything but they were probably thinking it was a crazy idea.”
So how does it feel to swim a mile in 37-degree water?

“It felt like 22 miles and it was painful,” said Malick, who is employed by Endless Pools of Aston, Pa. “But we wanted to help Nate get his autism service dog and at the same time qualify for the International Ice Swimming Association. You’ve got to push through when you have a very difficult swim. It takes mental and physical toughness.”

So why does he engage and compete in such a grueling activity?

“I have a passion for swimming and the shear enjoyment that it leaves me with,” he said. “And maybe I enjoy the bafflement on people's faces as well.”

Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net

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