On hot days in Bend, the Deschutes River beckons — but jumping from a bridge can land you in hot water
(Update: Adding video, comments from police, parent)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – When it gets warm – make that hot – the cooling waters of the Deschutes River flowing through Bend can be an attractive place to float, or swim. But it also beckons folks who want to jump in from bridges, which is dangerous, and illegal.
A viewer recently shared with us video of illegal jumpers, including youths, from a pedestrian bridge in the Old Mill District.
The Deschutes River was originally used for logs at the young city's sawmills.
"You're jumping into logs that are left behind by the mills," Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said Tuesday. "You're jumping into natural obstructions like rocks. But you're also jumping into potentially old saws and metal and stuff that you don't expect to be under."
Just because you've jumped 10 times and been fine doesn't mean you'll be fine on the 11th," Miller said.
Back in 2015, after a bridge jumper landed on a kayaker in the river, the Bend Park and Rec District reminded people that bridge jumping is illegal and dangerous, and installed no trespassing signs.
A park district official noted at the time that jumpers risk hitting a rock or log that can’t be seen from the surface, raising the potential for paralyzing or even life-threatening tragedies.
And two years ago, the rescue of a boy who dove off the footbridge by Columbia Park and reportedly nearly drowned prompted Bend Fire officials to remind of the danger – and a possibly hefty fine.
Bend Police say enforcement of bridge-jumping rules is not a high priority. But those who are caught could receive up to a $400 fine, and appear in Municipal Court. Youth who are caught will be given the citation directly, and held responsible.
But some parents feel that bridge jumping is harmless fun, and shouldn't be regulated.
"Watching all of these teenage boys jump off the bridge, they were just enjoying their best life and summer in Bend." one parent told NewsChannel 21. She said when her two 6-year olds grow up, she will let them jump into the river.
