For the past eleven years, the City of Long Beach has hosted the Long Beach Polar Bear Swim on Super Bowl Sunday. Each year the crowds have grown - from ten - to hundreds - to thousands of people, young and old – who dive into the cold Atlantic Ocean to raise money for Make a Wish Foundation.
This year, the City expects thousands more will visit the beach at Riverside Blvd. in Long Beach and plunge into the ocean, while about as many spectators, wearing wool coats, gloves and hats watch the fearless souls plunge!
It’s the 12th anniversary of the fundraising event, which to date has raised over $2 million dollars for Make a Wish, an organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. This year, “wish kid” Sean along with Metro NY Make a Wish President and CEO Pat Clemency will both take the plunge!
The Bears are looking forward to another record-breaking year again, and hope to donate even more money to Make A Wish. They invite swimmers and spectators to join in the fun. Air and water temperatures in February average in the mid 30’s, so if you’re wading, bring blankets, towels & dry clothing! Spectators should dress warmly!
The Story: If you don’t know how this story began, here it is: On Super Bowl Sunday 1998, LB locals Pete Meyers and Kevin McCarthy decided to jump into the Atlantic Ocean. Friends, Mike Bradley and Patti Bradley, whose son Paulie passed away at age 4, had been searching for a fitting memorial to their son Paulie that would keep his generous spirit alive. Mikes brother PJ suggested the annual Long Beach Polar Bear swim could become a fundraiser for Make a Wish Foundation – and it all blossomed from there. (Unfortunately, Patti Bradley passed away in December, 2009.)
