JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. - Visitors to Rockford Park on Monday had mixed opinions on whether Jefferson County should ban swimming in an area where first responders reported 60 emergency calls during the past 10 years.

“There are just too many people here drowning every year,” said Robert Vessell, a Jefferson County resident.

Paul Skiles visited the park on Monday and had a different take.

“Let people swim here at their own risk,” he said.

The differing views have led to an ongoing debate, with a compromise reached by council members on Monday.

The council voted 6-1 in favor of banning park visitors from swimming or wading in the water.  

The council also approved an amendment presented by council member Bob Tullock that added a sunset clause, requiring the council to vote each April on whether the ordinance should continue.

The vote requires two more votes and a signature from the county executive before it becomes law. 

Councilman Brian Haskins pushed for the swim ban.  He believes a ban would save lives and help keep first responders safe. 

“We’ve had dozens of first responders over the last ten years that have put themselves in harm’s way,” Haskins said.

The High Ridge Fire District reports seven drownings, three near drownings, 21 medical emergencies, and 29 water rescues at Rockford Park since 2014.

“The public is at risk when they get in the water and our responders are at risk when they go in and have to help somebody in the water,” said Chief John Barton, High Ridge Fire District. “I think from a safety perspective this is the right solution for now to try and curb some of the emergencies we’ve had.”