Plungers take off for a brief dip into the cold Atlantic Ocean. BY RON MACARTHUR Miss Delaware Alyssa Murray emerges from the icy ocean after taking the plunge. BY RON MACARTHUR It's fun to jump into near freezing water in February. At least that's what (l-r) Gretchen Spraul, Zita Pennypacker and Susanne Truitt said when they came out of the water. BY RON MACARTHUR Winter weather doesn't bother this family as they prepare for the plunge. They are (l-r) Kelly, Kenny and Shannon Kreider of Wilmington. BY RON MACARTHUR In the first pooch plunge Feb. 2, these Rehoboth Beach golden retriever owners try to get their dogs into the pools. Making the effort are Rina Pellegrini with Shadow and Dana Allers with Lucca. BY RON MACARTHUR The "real" pooch plunge is taking place in the ocean as Buckley comes out of the surf. Several other Labradors and retrievers followed suit taking a dip in the ocean. BY RON MACARTHUR Cold Polar Bears line up anxiously awaiting the signal to hit the water. BY RON MACARTHUR Dave Slaughter of Wilmington begins to carve his ice sculpture near the Bandstand in Rehoboth Beach. BY RON MACARTHUR Carol Antolik of Wilkes Barre, Pa., says show me the money as she helps raise funds for Special Olympics of Delaware. BY RON MACARTHUR Wendy Matlack of Newark has started her own tradition of entering the water last and waving a polar bear flag. BY RON MACARTHUR Then there were three. The Blue Man and Yellow Man have added a third to their group, The Red Woman. BY RON MACARTHUR Happy Ravens fans are Holly Webb and Mike Karros of New Castle. BY RON MACARTHUR A group of dressed-up plungers pose for a photograph prior to heading in the ocean. BY RON MACARTHUR Sue Squires of Wilmington is ready for her first cold dip. BY RON MACARTHUR Polar Bears head into the water for a quick dip during the 22nd annual plunge. BY RON MACARTHUR People try to stay warm prior to the plunge. BY RON MACARTHUR Carlos Prugue of Rehoboth Beach emerges victorious after taking the plunge. BY RON MACARTHUR Shawn West of Lewes brings out a chainsaw to begin his ice sculpture. BY RON MACARTHUR The plunge is usually over within a few seconds, especially when the water is close to the freezing mark. BY RON MACARTHUR Susanne Truitt,, left, Zita Pennypacker and Gretchen Spraul rejoice after completing the plunge. BY RON MACARTHUR Murphy Brown is dressed up and ready to plunge as owner Mickie McManamon of Rehoboth Beach keeps him close. BY RON MACARTHUR Only one dog to a pool as Duncan takes the plunge with owner Rena Seaton of Millsboro. BY RON MACARTHUR Ryder, dressed in Ravens apparel, checks out the pool before even thinking about getting in. Ryder and owner Candy Brown of Rehoboth Beach won an award for being the most creative. BY RON MACARTHUR It's only natural for Dexter to head to water. Kristin Klemish of Wilkes Barre, Pa., says all she has to do is lead the Labrador in the right direction. BY RON MACARTHUR Pat Ulmer of Bethany Beach isn't having much luck getting her Samoyed Annie to take the plunge. BY RON MACARTHUR Buckley has no problem with the icy water. BY RON MACARTHUR Bandit the Chihuahua doesn't seem to be thrilled about getting in the water. BY RON MACARTHUR Cathie Marshall, a Special Olympics volunteer, talks with Jon Buzby, director of Special Olympics of Delaware media relations, prior to the plunge. Marshall completed a plunge the day before in frigid Kentucky. BY RON MACARTHUR Dogs and owners gather on The Boardwalk before the first Pooch Plunge. BY RON MACARTHUR The temperatures were low enough to preserve the finished ice sculptures throughout Saturday's festivities. BY NICK ROTH Dave Slaughter's completed ice sculpture. BY NICK ROTH