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Jefferson County councilors debate swim ban, enforcement and long-term fixes at Rockford Park
Summary
Councilors, park staff and residents discussed temporary swimming prohibitions, signage, enforcement tools and federal restoration funding after drownings at Rockford Park; staff warned legal limits because the Big River is a navigable waterway owned by the state, and members agreed to draft a resolution and prepare ordinance language for periodic review.
Jefferson County councilors spent over an hour Monday debating how to reduce drownings and rescue risk at Rockford Park, weighing a temporary ban on swimming, enforcement mechanisms and longer-term habitat fixes.
Councilwoman Loria Irons opened the discussion by urging respectful debate and noting media coverage; Laura Schurr described recent park use and said rescuers face dangerous conditions, saying the water was “72 in the water and 55 on the bank” when she visited. Councilman Haskins and others argued that restricting access or copying ordinances used by nearby jurisdictions would reduce drownings and protect first responders.
Parks Director Bob Pigg told the council the Big River is,…
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