Jefferson County enacts temporary ban on entering Big River from Rockford Park, citing first-responder safety

The Jefferson County Council voted to amend and approve an ordinance that prohibits entry into the Big River from Rockford Park for swimming or wading, adding a one-year sunset provision requiring annual review. Councilman Tullock proposed the amendment, which sets the prohibition to expire on 04/30/2026 unless the council extends it. The amendment passed on a roll-call vote and the amended ordinance (identified in the meeting as bill 20-5-245 A1) was approved and moved to perfection.

Supporters — including Councilman Tullock and multiple council colleagues — framed the measure as a public-safety and first-responder protection action. Tullock said the decision weighed “the right to swim versus the risk,” and emphasized repeated incidents in which sheriff's deputies and other responders were put at risk. Council members and the executive noted the county lacks lifeguards and that deputies and bystanders often become the de facto rescuers.

Public comment in earlier agenda items had made a similar point. Allen Leaderbrand urged clearer signage and enforcement, saying county jurisdiction extends to the water’s edge and recommending prohibitions be worded to prevent entering or exiting the river from the park. Fire and public-safety officials were cited during council discussion as supporting the restriction based on near-drowning incidents and rescues.

Council debate centered on two questions: whether to prohibit both summer and off-season access and whether the restriction should be temporary. Several members supported a sunset clause so the council could reassess before the next swimming season. Councilman Wright said he would have preferred a longer trial (to 2027) but supported the amendment as a pragmatic step.

On procedure, Councilman Tullock moved the amendment and Councilwoman Arons seconded; the amendment passed in voice/roll-call, and the amended bill passed with a recorded final tally of 6 yes, 1 no. The ordinance text as amended prohibits “entry into Big River from Rockford Park for swimming and or wading” and includes the review/sunset date of 04/30/2026.

What happens next: the council placed the amended bill on the record as bill 20-5-245 A1 and moved it to perfection; the item will return for any further procedural steps required before taking effect. The county executive said staff will coordinate with state and federal partners to monitor river conditions and enforcement options.