Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The Long Beach Polar Bears will have the annual Super Bowl splash on Feb. 9, an event that raises funds for Make-A-Wish Metro New York in memory of Paulie Bradley.
Bradley was a joyful and energetic child who spent his summers on Monroe Boulevard Beach, riding his boogie board and dreaming of becoming a lifeguard. He loved the ocean and took every opportunity to play in the waves. His wish was to travel to Puerto Rico and play on the beach. However, he passed away at the age of four on Nov. 16, 1997 before his wish could be fulfilled.
His parents, Patti and Mike Bradley, wanted to find a meaningful way to honor Paulie’s memory, ensuring that his love for life and the ocean would continue to inspire others. As they searched for the right tribute, Paulie’s uncle, P.J. Bradley, had an idea — what if the annual Polar Bear Swim, which had started just a few years earlier, could be used as a fundraiser to help grant wishes for other children facing critical illnesses?
The tradition of the swim began in 1998 when Long Beach residents Kevin McCarthy and Pete Meyers took a spontaneous dip in the freezing Atlantic before the Super Bowl. By the following year, Mike Bradley, and his brother P.J. had joined in, and word of the swim began to spread. When P.J. proposed turning the event into a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish in honor of Paulie, McCarthy and Meyers agreed. In 2000, the first official Long Beach Polar Bear Splash for Make-A-Wish took place, transforming a small local tradition into a meaningful cause.
“The Polar Bear Splash is what Long Beach is all about,” City Councilman Mike Reinhart said. “One part community, one part generosity and a little touch of the best kind of craziness, this event has done so much good for so many kids who really need it. Congrats to the Polar Bears on their 25th year and thank you for bringing the community together for such a great cause.”
Since then, the splash has grown into a major community event, with more swimmers and supporters joining each year. The Long Beach Polar Bears have helped grant hundreds of wishes, ensuring that other children get to experience the joy that Paulie was never able to.
T-shirt sales will begin at 10 a.m., those plunging will gather at noon before entering the water at 1:30 p.m. The event continues to bring the community together, keeping Paulie’s spirit alive while making dreams come true for children in need.
