Cold Water Challenges Going Viral in South Lake Tahoe

The Cold Water Challenge. Unless you're still in hibernation you've probably heard of someone in South Lake Tahoe taking the Cold Water Challenge.

But What is it?

Someone takes a video of themselves jumping into a body of cold water (such as Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River or Trout Creek). Once they emerge from the water they record themselves saying the names of people they are challenging to jump in cold water as well, and within 24 hours.

Most participants appear to be teens, yet others are involved as well. Teachers have been challenged. Business owners and young entrepreneurs have been challenged. Politicians and actors around the country haven't been immune to the challenge.

Hundreds of videos of cold water challenges from Lake Tahoe have made their way into social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

In researching the Cold Water Challenge it is hard to find its origin. There are challenges in Canada, on the east coast and throughout the heartland. Apparently it started as a fundraiser where people are challenged, and if they jump into the water they pay a small amount. If they don't, they pay a larger amount.

This past March, in Grundy County, Tennessee, there was a 24-hr cold water challenge to raise money for Madilyn Rogers who is nearly two and suffers from juvenile diabetes. The family wanted to purchase her a trained dog for $18,000. She has several nightmares a night, and since she is unable to speak yet, she can't tell her parents what is wrong or how she is feeling. Challengers are donating money to provide the dog who can detect low sugar levels.

In Marshfield, Missouri in April, community members participated in the challenge to raise money for their local theater company.

Even though most are having fun with the challenges with no side effects, there has been a death and injuries associated with the viral events which have prompted warnings. 16-year-old Davis Colley drowned in Minnesota's Eagle Lake after participating in the challenge, a Menasha, Wisconsin teenager had to be rescued after being trapped behind a sea wall, and a St. Joseph County, Michigan man was pulled from Grey Lake with injuries resulting from jumping in.

Most areas can only have cold water challenges during the winter. They haven't experienced Lake Tahoe where we can hold them almost any month of the year!

For the next few weeks I won't watch any videos so I won't know I am challenged. Plus, I have a heated pool next to my office ....that is more my speed on any sort of water activity. Toss in a floating lounge chair and a drink with an umbrella, and I hereby accept your challenge.