Rockford Park swim ban votes delayed

HILLSBORO, Mo. - A bill proposed to ban swimming in the Rockford park river was tabled Monday night at the Jefferson County Council meeting. 

County council members were set to approve and finalize the bill, according to councilman for District 1, Brian Haskins, who proposed the bill.

“I don't understand why the delay...we could have people in the water for the next two weeks,” Haskins said.

Haskins shared during the meeting that there have been several water rescues and drownings over the last 10 years in Rockford, and it’s time they did something about it.

FOX 2 recently reported the vote passed 7-0 when first voted on two weeks ago. Monday night, council members asked to amend the bill, voting 4-3 to include who is excluded from the law.

FOX 2 spoke with High Ridge Fire District Fire Chief John Barton, who said the river is not a safe place to swim at this time, not only for residents but also for first responders as well.

“It's really just the river at this particular location that is dangerous and is not meant for recreation right now,” Haskins said. “It's the right thing to do for public safety and first responder safety.”

With the amendment, the bill must wait until the next meeting to be addressed, which is Oct. 14.