Coast Guard: Avoid becoming a "Cold Water Challenge" casualty
Why you should think twice before participating in the “Cold Water Challenge”
Why you should think twice before participating in the "Cold Water Challenge"
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The so-called "Cold Water Challenge" is the latest social media phenomenon. If someone "nominates" you for the challenge -- you have 24 hours to jump into a cold body of water and film it -- or else you have to donate money to charity. But this "game" can be dangerous! The U.S. Coast Guard in Milwaukee is urging people to consider the potentially lethal risk factors that come with taking on the "Cold Water Challenge."
The Cold Water Challenge has been a trending topic in social media. Once you're nominated and complete the challenge, you're asked to nominate a friend. See an example below.
Coast Guard officials say while such a dare may seem to support a good cause and is similar to events such as the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics that take place across the country, if challenge participants do not take the same safety precautions as the Polar Plunge, they endanger the lives of all involved.
During the Polar Plunge, there are several EMS workers standing by in case anyone has problems. Additionally, there are Coast Guard personnel in the water to make sure it's safe.
"We just want everyone to know it's extremely risky," Lt. Brian Dykens with the U.S. Coast Guard said.
The National Weather Service and Coast Guard also wants to remind you that Lake Michigan water temperature remains dangerously cold. The water temperature this year is slightly colder than the 20-year average.
Officials say in only about 10 to 15 minutes, persons exposed to cold water may have deteriorated strength and may not be able to get themselves to safety.
At best, the Coast Guard says the average Cold Water Challenge incorporates the challenger and a camera person to document the event. At worst, the challenger has personally set up a camera to record their solo entrance into the frigid water. Officials say swimmers who choose to participate in the challenge should not go alone, and should take more people than just a friend with a camera.
Additionally, Coast Guard officials encourage wearing a life vest -- and discourage diving into the water. Instead, you should walk into the water a bit.
Coast Guard officials say the frigid water temperature can put you at risk even if you're a good swimmer.
"There was a death up in Lake Superior associated with the Cold Water Challenge. Someone jumped in the water and eventually drowned. There was also a paralysis on a pond," Lt. Dykens said.
In Sheboygan earlier this month, a teenage girl took the challenge on Lake Winnebago. She jumped into the water and split open her leg on a rock covered with razor sharp zebra mussels!
The Sheboygan Police Department is warning would-be Cold Water Challenge participants as well.
"We definitely have concerns when it comes down to this. What we're dealing with in the cold water is a response by the human body, physiologically that may put people in distinct risk of drowning or cardiac arrest," Todd Janquart with the Fond du Lac Fire Department said.