Rockford Park — Attraction in High Ridge Township

• A Message From the Fire Chief Regarding Rockford Park *

A resident asked me directly about my position on the recurring water emergencies at Rockford Park, and I would like to share my response with our entire community.

A week ago, I watched a group of firefighters in a rescue boat at the very edge of the rapids at Rockford Park, only kept from tumbling over the spillway by their safety gear and training. As they fought to get to a victim trapped against the bluff walls, another bystander was screaming from the top of the bluff for the victim to "just jump" into our boat. I was on shore, helpless to stop it and knowing that if the individual jumped, there were a myriad of scenarios that could result in everyone being injured and in severe danger. Thankfully, your firefighters stepped up to the task at hand, and the victim was safely returned to shore.

Two days ago, again, I watched as the first two firefighters on the scene of a drowning immediately jumped into the water and swam to the very area that has claimed multiple lives in recent history, desperately searching for the father of two teenagers who watched him slip under the water's surface. In just over 10 minutes, they located him in about 7-8 feet of water. Everyone raced to the water's edge to help pull the lifeless body onto a stretcher and up to the ambulance in hopes that his life could be saved. Unfortunately, he died in the hospital later that night. Then, 24 hours later, we are back for another near-drowning.

I don't know the perfect answer for Rockford; there may not be one. There is always a risk associated with swimming in rivers, although I know that this specific location is significantly more hazardous than many others. The fire district does not have the authority to ban swimming there, or to enforce a ban if it existed. We don't charge people when we rescue them, and if we did, it would not be a deterrent for many because they don't think it will ever apply to them. We have not advocated for the entire park to be closed. But the undeniable fact is that when people enter the water, it is a matter of time before we are called for help. We will continue to work with all of our community partners to find ways to reduce that risk.

Ultimately, I believe there are only two things that we can do as a fire district: try as hard as possible to get the message out to prevent a tragedy, and be as prepared as possible to respond when one occurs.

We took an oath - we will give our life to save a life. However, that shouldn't mean that rescuers' lives should be disregarded by those who ignore warnings and intentionally place themselves in harm's way, knowing we will follow them in. As I mentioned in a recent news interview, the water safety message for Rockford Park is "The water isn't safe." Time and time again, we see the reactions of families and friends when their loved ones fall victim to the river, and each time, I hope that somehow the message will take hold and the rescues and drownings will stop. Until that happens, however, our personnel remain ready to respond and do everything in our power to save the next victim of the Big River.

Respectfully, Fire...

Scenic milldam rapids. My least favorite thing here and the other two milldam parks is the posted rule prohibiting pets. Fishing from the park is bad in my opinion. Launching a boat from here, the river is in bad shape in both directions. Severe erosion downstream because the farmers have no riparian trees, plus there's a sewer. Upstream has cabins for miles and more erosion. I don't agree with the reinforcement of the dam a few years ago; should have let it erode naturally. Apparently they're trying to have lead accumulate on the upstream side of the dam.

The park gets a lot of publicity for drownings and water rescues, but I believe the biggest danger is people. On my most recent visit, three aggressive people approached me. One was a pesky beggar who wanted $50 so his family could stay in a hotel. Instead of backing off, he persisted. Police vehicles do visit the parking lot. Alcohol and other substances are supposed to be prohibited, but some...

It's a decent Lil park with a gravel beach which attracts lots of people trying to cool off during hot summer months. There's a waterfall there which from what I understand is remnants of an old mill. BEWARE! People drown here every summer and I dint mean 1 or 2 I mean practically 1 per wk seems like. I'm guessing they get to close to the waterfall and get sucked under idk. But there's signs alerting you not to swim and now most of the time there's a jefferson County sheriff there watching. He won't arrest u or say anything about u swimming but is there just in case from what I understand. Also there's no alcoholic beverages allowed there as it has contributed to past drownings. There's bbq grills there and on a hot wknd the place is packed. Fishing is allowed also. The river is The Big River that eventually flows into the...