Jumping off bridges

The Gazette

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It seems more kids are jumping off Linn County bridges into rivers this summer. Sheriff Brian Gardner, understandably, wants to do something to quell this risky behavior.

So, the sheriff has asked county supervisors to ban diving from public bridges and culverts or swimming in nearby posted no-swimming areas. Supervisors will vote on a draft rule next Wednesday.

We agree with Gardner that diving off bridges into rivers is risky. But does there need to be a law against it?

Gardner told us that complaints about bridge jumpers began in May and averaged one every other day in June. Most often, jumpers were reported at Blairs Ferry Road (Cedar River) and Paris Bridge (Wapsipinicon River). Some thrill-seekers may be spurred by online video posts of such leaps.

Currently, there are not any “no-swimming” notices posted at streams crossed by public bridges or culverts. Garner proposes posting signs and allowing deputies to arrest violators if they're seen diving or even swimming nearby. If convicted, adult violators could be fined $625 and serve up to 30 days in jail; for those under 18, a $100 fine and community service.

No stepped-up enforcement is planned. Deputies would respond to complaints or investigate if they're driving by and see a violator, as they do now.

This proposal is not about county government's liability, Gardner told us. “It's about keeping kids from seriously injuring themselves. ... Rivers in Linn County are murky, debris filled, and have ever-changing river bottoms. ... This provides the perfect environment for potentially dangerous or deadly incidents.”

Clearly, this activity isn't smart. And trying to eliminate the lure of a summertime adventure for young people who typically think they're immune to danger is never easy. Parents must still be the first line of controlling the whereabouts and actions of their children.

Still, posting signs is a sensible warning. Requiring jumpers and swimmers to leave, sure. But legal prosecution and fines, especially for first-time violators, seem heavy-handed for something much rarer among young people than drinking and driving.

And would a stiff law add to the allure?

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