Proposal to ban swimming at Rockford Park again on the desk

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – A proposal to ban swimming at Rockford Park is again on the desk.

Ronny Shaw was at Rockford Park Beach on Friday fishing and instructed First Alert 4 he doesn’t consider swimming must be allowed.

“It’s putting everybody’s life in danger out here,” mentioned Shaw. “They need to ban it, there’s been too many drownings out here.”

It’s onerous to overlook the indicators warning the water is harmful and saying swimming shouldn’t be beneficial. Nonetheless, it stays a preferred swimming spot in the summertime.

“I love it I love it, honestly I do. I feel like you have to be smart about it,” mentioned Susan Harmon again in June 2025.

But there have been drowning issues for years. Last 12 months, two individuals died in drownings on the seashore. Within one weekend in June, one man died and one other almost drowned earlier than being rescued by first responders.

“I mean it’s putting first responders lives in jeopardy,” mentioned Shaw.

A ban was tried final 12 months, however the Jefferson County Council narrowly voted it down. Now, Councilman Brian Haskins of High Ridge is making an attempt once more.

“To lose somebody to a drowning is just horrible because it’s so preventable,” mentioned Haskins.

This spot on the seashore is essentially the most problematic, Haskins mentioned, noting the present is fierce and other people even bounce off the rock wall that butts as much as the water.

“It’s so preventable,” mentioned Haskins.

The council has banned alcohol and altered the identify from Rockford Beach to Rockford Park, however drownings have continued.

Haskins factors to Castlewood State Park and George Winter Park in St. Louis County, each of which have prohibited swimming within the Meramec.

“Yes you can ban swimming. It’s okay,” mentioned Haskins.

And whereas alcohol stays banned, Shaw mentioned he believes it has contributed to a number of drownings.

“A lot of times the alcohol plays a factor in it and people just don’t, they don’t care,” mentioned Shaw.

The invoice shall be launched on the Jefferson County Council assembly Monday night time.

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