Ordinance would ban pier jumping

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Berrien County commissioners plan to introduce a new ordinance that would ban pier jumping. (WSBT file photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 11, 2008 at 5:26 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 26, 2008 at 11:46 AM EST

ST. JOSEPH — A popular summer activity may become illegal in Berrien County. County commissioners will introduce a new ordinance that would ban pier jumping.

They want to make it illegal to jump into the water from the New Buffalo rock breakwater and St. Joseph piers.

County commissioners say it's a growing problem and something needs to be done about it.

It’s a summertime favorite at Silver Beach.

“It’s fun, it’s a rush,” one jumper told WSBT News.

A rush that comes with a big risk.

"This is not a joke,” said Berrien County Commissioner Jeannette Leahey. “Lives are lost there and we have the numbers to prove it.”

County officials say there have been 13 drownings off the North and South pier in St. Joseph over the last 22 years. At least four have been attributed to pier jumping.

A year ago, 20-year-old David Lambert from Elkhart was the most recent victim, and commissioners hope a new ordinance will stop this from happening again.

“If they want to jump, obviously that's their right to do that,” Leahey said. “But if they jump, we want them to know there is an inherent danger here and be aware. And I think that's an important message to send."

But many people told WSBT News they’re aware of the dangers and a law is simply unnecessary.

“I think it’s stupid,” one teen said. “We know the risks, we know what we’re doing.”

“I mean if you can jump in and you can swim at your own risk that’s the way it should be,” another said.

The piers are federal property, but they're getting around it by saying you can't enter the county's water from a pier or breakwater.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on June 26. They expect to adopt the ordinance soon after that. If it's passed, it would take effect immediately. They hope to have it in place by the Fourth of July.

If the ban is passed, violators will face a $250 fine.

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