The latest viral phenomenon has been the Cold Water Challenge which has exploded on the web these past couple of weeks. Unlike most ridiculous viral challenges many of us can’t pass up the chance to participate in (cinnamon, tin can, salt and ice challenge), this one is actually for a good cause. Although the rules differ from place to place it all starts when someone is “tagged” or nominated by another to donate to charity by a deadline or take a chilly plunge into freezing cold water. In some cases the tagged person will have to plunge for donations, but either way it is a clever and entertaining way to help raise money for charity. But lately safety officials have been strongly advising participants to take extra precautions when diving or to even avoid the challenge all together due to a growing list of reported serious injuries including broken bones, head trauma, even death by the participants’ over estimation of the water’s depth or just not seeing what’s under murky water. Think of this as one of those public safety announcements. Whether at an official event like the Polar Plunge where lifeguards are present or on your own, please be careful! This is a great idea for a charity event but potentially very dangerous. So, be safe and have fun freezing!