Linn County considers bridge diving ban

Linn County appears likely adopt a new rule banning diving from bridges and to allow the arrest of those who swim in posted no-swim areas.

"It just makes sense for public safety not to allow swimming or jumping in those areas," Sheriff Brian Gardner said.

Supervisors agreed this morning to consider an ordinance drafted at Gardner's request that would prohibit "jumping or diving from publicly-owned bridges and culverts or swimming in posted no-swimming areas." The draft will become law if it's approved after public readings at the supervisors' meetings Aug. 22, 24, and 31.

Gardner said deputies have seen an increase this summer in young thrill-seekers diving into the Cedar River from highway bridges. Interest may be spurred by the online video posting of the divers' exploits.

Gardner said the problem is especially acute at the Blairs Ferry Road bridge over the Cedar River east of Palo and the Paris Road bridge over the Wapsipinicon north of Central City. The water is too murky and the current too strong at either location for safe swimming and diving, according to the sheriff.

"You can't see your hand in front of your face when you're in the water, you can't see what the debris flow is," Gardner said. "The bottom of those areas changes constantly. (Diving) is just a bad idea. "

Gardner said deputies responding to reports of bridge diving usually arrive to find swimmers in the water.  The new ordinance gives deputies and conservation officers legal authority to arrest those diving or swimming in areas where bans are posted - "so they don't have to hide in the weeds" to witness someone diving, Gardner said.

Violators could face a $625 fine and up to 30 days in jail, or $100 and c0mmunity service for those under 18.

The county's new rule wouldn't affect Palisades Kepler State Park, where the state Department of Natural Resources manages the beach and where a Lisbon man drowned in June. The sheriff said there remain plenty of places to swim along the county's rivers.

"We're not looking to prohibit swimming in all public waterways," Gardner said.