Paul and Young Ron's Polar Bear Swim

Alright - we know it's cold, but this here is a tradition. Get your bathers on and get ready to freeze your buns off.

By Solange Reyner

Alright - we know it's cold, but this here is a tradition. Get your bathers on and get ready to freeze your buns off. 

Local South Florida radio personalities Paul and Young Ron host their 15th annual Polar Bear Swim at Fort Lauderdale Beach starting at 6:30 a.m Wednesday morning. They won't be taking a dip, but OMG Mike - their sidekick - will be donning a speedo for your entertainment.

It all starts at 6:30 (bathing begins at around 6:55), with breakfast provided after (a la McDonald's).

The "Paul and Young Ron Show" is heard every morning from 6 to 10 a.m. on BIG 105.9 FM. The guys are celebrating their 20 years on the air in South Florida, making it the region's longest running radio program.

Here's our Q&A with Paul Castronovo:

• Break down the event for us.

Paul: The folks frolick around for a few minutes, then we supply them with hot chocolate, a t-shirt, breakfast, and send them on their way. I have a theory that most people will do anything for a free T-shirt.

• Why won't you be taking a dip?

Paul: I have people that work for me that will do these things. I’m a Florida boy, I don’t want to hurt myself.

• What will OMG Mike's speedo entail this year and why does he do it?

Paul: I believe it’s the traditional holiday speedo. I don’t want to say where the Christmas balls are on the speedo. This is just something that he has adopted. He’s a grown man and he likes it and that’s what works for him. A speedo is against everything I stand for. It reminds me of fresh Canadian tourism.

• Being on air 20 years, that's big in this market. Your thoughts?

Paul: It’s big around the country – and I’m certainly not ready to hang it up. I have a nine year old, so I have to keep this thing going. We just want to make people laugh when they’re driving work – and if we can get them to escape, then great for us.

• Do your kids listen in?

Paul: I have a 17-year-old and he listens to the iPod. His buddies all like us – they think I’m cool.

OMG Mike