Proposed Linn County bridge-diving ban fails

The season may be past, but you'll be able to legally dive into Linn County's rivers from public bridges when warm weather returns.

A proposal to ban the practice, and to add a fine to violations of posted swimming bans, died in this morning's formal county board session.

Sheriff Brian Gardner argued a new law would have given deputies legal authority to police gatherings, usually at the Blairs Ferry Road bridge over the Cedar River near Palo and the Paris Road span over the Wapsipinicon north of Central City. He said bridge diving seemed to become more popular this summer, possibly fueled by online video.

Gardner said deputies responded to complaints about every other day in June.

"Do you try to legislate something that should be common sense?" Gardner said. "I think when it's inherently dangerous, we have that obligation."

But supervisors tended to agree with Keith Williams, a Cedar Rapids resident who was the only member of the public to comment.

"This sets a terrible precedent for our county," said Williams. "What would be the next law that would be passed to protect us from dangerous activity?"

"I just see this as another ordinance in a long line of ordinances where we're trying to protect the weakest link in society," said Supervisor Brent Oleson, R-Marion. "As long as they're not hurting others, I don't see the concern."

"I'd like nothing more to support this ordinance, however I can't," said Supervisor John  Harris, R-Palo. "It's going to be very difficult to enforce. By the time the sheriff's deputy arrives, they'll be picnicking on the sandbar, and there will be no activity to cite."

"In terms of alignment of resources,  it might not be the best use," said Supervisor Ben Rogers.

Participating by phone, Supervisor Lu Barron, D-Cedar Rapids, said the county should fence its bridges to block divers' access.

Supervisor Linda Langston, D-Cedar Rapids, wondered if the county might be sued by the family of an injured diver, but Assistant County Attorney Jeff Clark said the county has no legal liability for the activity.

After a brief debate, the proposed ordinance died for lack of a motion to formally consider it.