LAKEVILLE — Taking the plunge can sound unsettling.

Especially when you’re jumping into the cold March water on Clear Pond in Lakeville.

But that’s what participants are prepared to Saturday, March 11 when the Lakeville Police Department sponsors The Polar Plunge for the first time at Clear Pond. Registration opens at 10 a.m. with the plunge happening at 11 a.m. 

At the event, which is a major fundraiser for Special Olympics, participants gather pledges and, on a certain date and time, plunge into the water. 

“We’re excited to bring the Polar Plunge to Lakeville,’’ said Stephanie Esposito, AVP of Development for Special Olympics Massachusetts. 

She described the plunge as “our signature community fundraiser’’ that is on track to raisee more than $700,000 this year.

The Lakeville sign-ups are at 38 and counting, which Esposito described as a “strong first year.’’

Plungers include several members of the Lakeville police and fire departments, said Sgt. Erik McNeice, who is organizing the event with the Special Olympics.  

Sign-ups typically grow in the weeks and days up to the event, Esposito said, and people can register on the day of the event.

Those unwilling or unable to plunge into the water can serve as “towel holders,’’ who do exactly that: Provide towels for plungers to wrap themselves in as they exit the chilly water.

And participants do not have to go in over their heads, she said. “We’ve never considered full submersion in the water as the only way to participate,’’ she said. “You can dip a toe in.’’

Anyone who raises $100 or more will receive a Polar Plunge shirt, she said.

The cold plunge will give way to warm feelings of accomplishment, supporters say.

“It’s a great organization,’’ McNeice said.

For more information or to register, visit polarplungema.org, select Lakeville and follow the instructions.