I live in the tiny City by the Sea that many of you, some across the oceans, have read about here. Yes, Long Beach, NY is small, about 36 thousand salty souls. But it has a heart as big as its boardwalk.
Every year, Long Beach hosts the Long Beach Polar Bear Splash to make money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. https://wish.org/get-involved The event generates a big splash of money, this year, about $500,000.
People from all around come to Long Beach to join the Splash. Yes, they do it for the kids, but they also do it—just to do it!
I’ve recorded several of these freeze dives on my humble blog, and each time I’m amazed at the coming together of humankind, for fun, for joy.
When you look at the faces in the photos below, you’ll know there was no talk of Jan. 6th, our border, inflation or climate change. This was people putting aside all that often divides us, race, politics or religion. That stuff was left on the ramp from the boardwalk.
Well, perhaps not religion because I did hear a lot of: “Oh my God.!” “Oh my God!” “Oh my God!”:
Moms, dads, teens, and tykes shed their layers
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Be well,
Leebythesea
Categories: Polar Bears
leebythesea 
William,
I enjoy watching the fun and taking photos of it. So, in my way, I’m in it too. That’s my story, and I’m sticking with it.
Be well,
Lee
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Walter,
Yes brave people for sure. I hide behind my camera for an excuse. Whatever works, right? But it’s all for a good cause and fun too. Can’t beat that combo!
Be well,
Lee
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I love the brave people who participate in such a worthy cause. I would love to do it but my old ticker couldn’t handle it. Great photo essay. Thanks.
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My spirit says yes, but my body says no. That looks like fun. I like challenges but that one is beyond me at this stage. I can’t even take cold showers anymore.
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Diane,
Yes, so very brave. What could be better for people? Having fun and working for a good cause. People, hand in hand in the cold of winter, We are all the same beneath our skin.
Be well,
Lee
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Joan,
Thank you for your kind comments. So glad I put a smile on your face. I couldn’t help but smile too as I reviewed what I captured. Some shots surprised me in what I got. Didn’t know what I had until i saw them later. Smilies for sure.
Be well,
Lee
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As always, Lee, you have presented an upbeat commentary in photos that would make even the hardest of hearts smile. thank you again. This is the kind of reporting I would love to see on TV. This is real life. love, love, love what you do and share with us. keep it up. Maybe I will be able to get to the ocean this year and meet up with you.
Joan
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Great photos Lee of brave people running into freezing water for the purpose of raising donations for The Make A Wish foundation and bonding with others! God bless them! I am NOT brave so I choose to donate from my cozy, comfy couch!
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