Thousands of "Plungers" Will Run — and Maybe TipToe—into the Ocean

Tomorrow, it will be the opposite of a disco inferno.

Disco Infreezo will jump in the ocean.

In fact, there will probably be several Santas, mustachioed men (and maybe some women), giant teddy bears and superheroes, and thousands more will join them, at the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights on Saturday, tomorrow.

Teams have been raising money for months, in what is both a large scale charity event for the Special Olympics, a giant party and a chance for thrill seekers to brave the February waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately four thousand took the plunge last year, many in elaborate costumes —  including a big, teeth-chattering grin.

Disco Infreezo, one of many members of the “Kool Nutz” team raising money (a total $18,920), gathered $305 in donations himself toward the cause, and also serves as his own costume designer: Giant afro wig, aviator glasses, silver disco pants.

It’s all going with him into the ocean, said the Toms River resident.

And it's not too late to sign up. Day-of registration begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow, on the Seaside Heights boardwalk near The Aztec.

So far, $946,354 is raised among the dozens of teams participating in the Polar Bear Plunge.

 A sister ocean plunge, also for Special Olympics, took place in Wildwood in January. The total raised between both events is now $1,124,652. Yes, more than a million dollars.

Seaside’s version is also a giant celebration, with “Plunge Specials” in several bars and restaurants along the boardwalk and throughout the resort town.

Grab a warm towel and join in the fun.

Many of the “plungers” come from Toms River and Brick, and have been doing the event for years. But according to the Special Olympics New Jersey, the fundraiser is also drawing from a large base of participants from throughout New Jersey.

“In past years, Plungers have included 6-year-olds to 70-somethings, mayors, police chiefs, officers, corporate teams, families, high school clubs, fraternities, and everyone in between,” wrote the SONJ. “For the more hesitant, there is plenty of room for watching and cheering.”

In previous years, the beach has been packed with plungers, as though it were a hot summer’s day.

The weather tomorrow morning: Partly sunny, with highs in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Water temperature? 38 degrees Fahrenheit.­­­

For more information, visit the Special Olympics New Jersey website.