Jefferson County council bans entry from Rockford Park into Big River, adds exception for authorized first-responder training

Jefferson County Council approved an amendment to park regulations that prohibits entering the Big River from Rockford Park for swimming or ‘‘waiting,’’ but added a narrowly drawn exception for authorized first-responder training.

The ordinance (Bill 25‑09245 with amendment A2) bars park visitors from entering the river from Rockford Park for recreation. The amendment, adopted by a 4–3 vote, adds: ‘‘with the exception of any first responder training to include but not limited to water rescue, which has been authorized by the Jefferson County, Missouri County Executive or the Executive’s designee.’’ Council then approved the amended bill, 4–3.

Why it matters: Council members who supported the ban repeatedly cited multiple drownings and a recent fatal incident at Rockford Beach to argue the prohibition is a public-safety measure. ‘‘We’ve had three of those drownings,’’ one council member said in arguing for immediate action, saying deputies and bystanders had been put in dangerous positions during rescues. Supporters described the draft language as modeled on state statute and on ordinances used elsewhere to curb hazardous river access.

Opponents and skeptical members urged caution and questioned whether the ordinance should single out first-responder training or whether other government agencies should be allowed access under the same authorization. One council member asked why an exception was necessary at all, saying trained responders routinely conduct exercises without an ordinance limiting public access.

The amendment’s author said the change makes clear that authorized trainings are not criminalized under the prohibition and requires formal approval by the County Executive (or designee) before training occurs. Council discussion included references to scheduling and coordination with the Parks director (Mr. Pigg) and the fire chief (John Barton), and whether scheduled trainings exist in the near term.

What happens next: The amended ordinance moves forward per council procedure; the clerk noted the amendment will require the council to handle required timings for final adoption. The ordinance’s enforcement will be carried out under county code and by the sheriff’s office, as discussed during the meeting.

Reporting note: The article uses direct council quotations and paraphrases of statements made by council members during the public meeting.