Ocean City is unlocked for the summer, complete with a pirate and mermaid [photos]

While many Jersey Shore homeowners are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy, beaches and boardwalks are mostly back to normal.

In Ocean City, the Shore is most definitely open for business.

Each resort has its own way to welcome back seasonal residents and tourists.  In Ocean City, they play “Pomp and Circumstance” as the ocean is unlocked with a wooden key and businesspeople plunge into the surf wearing suits and dresses.

Businessman Scott Friedman was doing the plunge for the first time, toting a briefcase and sporting a rainbow wig.

“A real suit with real shoes that you could see if you were looking down and all of that, I even have my watch on and everything,” he said. “Other guys were showing up with flip-flops and khakis. I’m not happy about, that but I’m here.”

Doug Jewell tried on a pirate’s attire and accent, since he owns a pirate-themed business.

“It was a very cold winter, four good weekends, and now the season’s starting ,so everyone is going to be out here and jumping in the ocean,” he said, throwing in an “argh” for good measure.

There was even a mermaid, in the form of Susanne Muldowney.

“What more natural mythical creature to open the summer season at the ocean than a mermaid?” she said.

Visitors want to know how the Shore weathered the winter.  Ocean City Beach Patrol Chief of Operations Tom Mollineaux says conditions are good.

“We’ve lost a little bit of sand down here towards the boardwalk area, and they are pumping down the south end. Those beaches look great,” he said. “We’ll be OK, it will be another good summer.”

With that preparation done, business owners are left hoping Mother Nature will cooperate with sunny weather.