Toward fewer drownings

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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A hero became a victim in a Father's Day tragedy at Palisades-Kepler State Park. Jonathan Jones, of Lisbon, saved two young boys from drowning in the Cedar River only to perish himself.

Jones, who was fishing with his own children at the time of the incident, became at least the 20th person in 50 years, and the first since 2003, to drown at the park. Even one is too many, of course. Unfortunately, we don't know how those numbers compare with drowning accidents at other state parks with waterway access. None of the Iowa departments of Natural Resources, Public Health and Public Safety compiles such statistics. Public Health, in its death records, lists “drowning” as a cause but with no details on where and how.

The void of information makes it more difficult to weigh public policy decisions or changes. Data on accidental deaths such as drownings could be mined for trends and hot spots that help state and local officials decide where to focus more study and scarce resources toward remedies.

Still, the question begs asking: Should there be immediate changes at Palisades-Kepler?

A mother who lost a 16-year-old son nine years ago in a similar incident there told The Gazette that she'd like to see the Cedar River fenced off from public beach areas, or, at least, more and larger warning signs posted. Currently, one sign is posted at each of the park's seven major river accesses.

Installing long stretches of fencing along beach areas presents problems - the additional cost and maintenance, and reduced access for visitors to a public area.

The Iowa DNR advises against swimming in the river along the Palisades-Kepler Park, but has no legal authority to keep people off a river in a natural area, which is open to all. Fencing also raises aesthetic considerations - Palisades-Kepler's beach areas provide stunning views of cliffs, trees. and wildlife.

Certainly, none of these obstacles is more important than a life lost. Yet trying to eliminate all risks along a river in a park is not feasible.And physical barriers can never fully replace responsible adult supervision of children.

Keeping kids out of waterways or at least insisting they wear life jackets - the boys rescued Sunday were not - are ways adults can keep youngsters safe. Even then, accidents still can happen.

We are skeptical of any changes in state law that would make the DNR or any other public agency liable for preventing drownings. The enormity of that burden could be very costly and result in shutting down treasured outdoor areas.

We do think enhanced signage at Palisades-Kepler would be a prudent measure. It could be done quickly and make a difference. An average of four drownings per decade is ample justification.

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