Pier jumping ban debated in Berrien County Save Email Print
Past deaths cited by supporters
Posted: 5:50 PM Jun 11, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:48 AM Jun 12, 2008
 Reporter: Mark Peterson
Email Address: mpeterson@wndu.com
57 comments
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It’s a recreational activity that has a notorious reputation.

Now some Berrien County Commissioners have proposed a ban on pier jumping.

Jumping off the concrete pier in St. Joseph was common today. The waters were calm and the jumpers suffered no harmful consequences.

Less than a year ago, the situation was quite different.
That’s when the last pier jumping death took place in St. Joseph, on a day when the weather and waves were hazardous.

“We've had 13-drownings off the north and south pier in the last 22 years, four at least are attributed to pier jumping,” said Randy Rood, the Berrien County Parks Director. “The most recent was last June 20th, David Lambert of Elkhart, Indiana.”

On the same day of the Lambert incident, a second pier jumper got into trouble in the water. He survived, thanks to a dramatic rescue lead by a civilian.

“This is a life threatening thing,” said Berrien County Commissioner Jeanette Leahey. “When you jump off that pier, you are taking your life, you are actually, have the possibility of losing your life.”

Commissioner Bob Wooley also supports the proposed ordinance. “We also have to take into account the efforts of our law enforcement people who are pulling people out of the water that are in danger: could they get knocked into the concrete and get in trouble themselves?”

Some of the people jumping off the pier today saw the proposal as an over reaction to the situation.

“I think that that's stupid it should only be for people that are out of town cause those are the only people that drown out here, honestly,” said Jocelyn Sarno of Coloma.

Ross Bryan of St. Joseph also opposed the idea of a ban on pier jumping. “I think you just got to know when to jump, you have to have some common sense, and some people don’t have the common sense.”

Commissioner Leahey was direct in her response: “This is not over reacting this is an absolute necessity. If these kids think this is a joke or an over reaction, they should contact the family of the kid who died last summer.”

A public hearing on the proposed pier jumping ban will likely be scheduled for June 26th.

The city of South Haven recently imposed its own ban on pier jumping.

The Berrien County proposal would also ban jumping off the New Buffalo Rock Breakwater.
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Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Jun 18, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Survival of the fittest... thin out the herd.
Posted by: Joe Location: S.B. on Jun 17, 2008 at 06:40 PM
So as long as they dont jump off the pier everything is ok. What about bridges and cliffs? This goes on all over the place not only in Barrien county but hey might as well make a special law for Barrien. Are you people a little slow or what!!
Posted by: Lindy Location: South Bend on Jun 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM
We were up on the bluff this past Sunday and watched the Coast Guard get called out to the end of the pier - ambulance and police to follow. What do some people have for brains!?
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 17, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Ban skydiving next? I'm sure scraping a human pancake off the ground is unpleasant as well. The more folks let government tell them what they can and can't do, the more the government will find to ban. And as far as looking out "for our children's safety", what happened to parental guidance and responsibility???
Posted by: Haiden Location: Syracuse on Jun 16, 2008 at 07:12 PM
This is just a good way to eliminate the morons of our community. "Hmm I'm not a strong swimmer, theres big waves, and a concrete structure close-by...LETS JUMP IN!" Survival of the fittest come on people. The next thing you know we will have a ban on swing sets for the rarity of a moron falling backward and dying.
Posted by: COASTIE Location: great lakes on Jun 16, 2008 at 03:25 PM
i am for the ban. you people have no idea what is like to pull a body out of the water. find something better to do. jump off a diving board at the ymca if you have to jump off something. the great lakes are not like small inland lakes. there are rip currents can pull the strongest of swimmers out. be safe and be SMART
Posted by: Myrt on Jun 16, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I always thought is WAS against the law - it must have just been my common sense telling me that jumping off the pier was unsafe. Too bad we couldn't teach common sense.....
Posted by: M Location: V on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Anomynous - Mixed you up with someone else, sorry.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 16, 2008 at 07:06 AM
"13 drownings... four at least are attributed to pier jumping". I did read the article, Henry. Even if it was 13/22 it's still statistically a lot safer than many other activities. Maybe we should bubble-wrap all the kids and call it a day.
Posted by: M Location: V on Jun 16, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Henry, read it again, we're talking about pier jumping. The 13 out of 22 means that more than twice as many people (9) have drowned just swimming. Probably should ban that too. And camping in Indiana also.
Posted by: Sheesh! on Jun 15, 2008 at 11:51 PM
It always amazes me the stupid excuses people have for their points of view. This is dangerous, but other things are more dangerous, so that magically makes this not dangerous. Duh! There may be ways to legislate pier jumping to keep the fun and skip the danger, but the only attempt at a suggestion I've seen is the moronic "only out-of-towners are stupid enough to drown" which merely puts into question the intellegence of the Berrien County resident who said it. Come on! What an assinine thing to say! Fine, don't ban the fun for the idiots. Instead, let's just ban anyone from coming to the rescue of anyone dumb enough to jump. You may have the "right" to jump, but you don't have the right to endanger others who may feel obligated to assist you in surviving when life is so obviously not important to you. It is America, and you have a right to be a fool.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 14, 2008 at 11:55 PM
To M... Why would I stay away from the water? I love the beach, and I really love the pier, it's one of my favorite places to go. However, I WILL stay away from a dangerous area and not be stupid. I care about my own life, unlike you do about your teens, because I prefer to have fun without endangering my life. Thanks!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 14, 2008 at 11:51 PM
They try and look our for our children's safety and all you do is bicker... oh well, won't be MY loss.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 14, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I support the ban, and you guys are all just like the idiots who jump off it. Go jump off a more safer thing, and parents who don't support the ban, I won't feel sorry when you're children [who you supported in jumping] drown at the pier. This is completely inconsiderate and unresponsible of all of you.
Posted by: Joe Location: S.B. on Jun 14, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Thats just what we need another stupid law pretty soon you wont be able to leave the house. People die in Iraq by the thousands everyday look at the big picture people.
Posted by: Henry Location: Niles on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Willie, The article says 13 deaths in last 22 years, not 4! Mark, Stevensville, The Federal Government will let St. Joe ban peir junping, as long as St. enforces it and St. Joe pays all expenses! The Federal Government lets the local government do these things, just like they let them put up 911 call boxes, life rings, etc and etc.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 13, 2008 at 12:22 PM
M from V is right: Kids get bored. Legislating away everything they do for fun is only going to lead to them finding another rush. Why, I remember the big can-kicking ban of 1934; I've heard it led to WWII......
Posted by: Brighter Bulb Location: Steveville on Jun 13, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Mark, theres nothing funnier than an idiot getting on his high horse and just proving all over again what a moron he is. Read what I wrote again. On second thoughts, just go back to watching Oprah and drinking cheap beer.
Posted by: Tracy Location: Granger on Jun 13, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Don't use stupid analogies like automobiles and bathtubs just because people die in those too. Those are accidents - you can avoid a death by not doing something stupid like jumping off the pier - because you know darn well - that family is going to want to blame and sue someone for their childs death - right?!
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Jun 13, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Yes, Mark is not exactly the sharpest..read his other post on here. Mark, you cannot stop crime. You cannot put a police officer in every home 24-7 to make sure everybody behaves. People don't even think about laws when they kill somebody..it is usually emotions that get the best of them and you cannot predict or stop that usually. This is a public safety issue and they are doing their job. This is an instance of injury that you can prevent. Saying that teens can use common sense is a total oxy moron. Teens do what is fun or what they are dared to do, they don't know where the rocks are or how high the tide is on that particular day compared to the last time they were there. They cannot assign people there to have everybody sign waivers to stop lawsuits when people are killed or hurt. Go to the pool and jump off a diving board that is safe.
Posted by: M Location: V on Jun 13, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Yep, you need your police patrolling the piers while the kids you banned from jumping are out drinking and smoking 'cause there's nothing else to do.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 12, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Not like people are cliff diving.
Posted by: mark on Jun 12, 2008 at 07:29 PM
enjoy safely - you go. that is the way it should be.
Posted by: mark on Jun 12, 2008 at 07:25 PM
to brighter bulb : these petty crimes are happenning daily. people kill people over nothing that matters. do you not read the paper or just post your near sightness on the sites?
Posted by: Steve Location: Galien on Jun 12, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Mark Location: Stevensville on Jun 11, 2008 at 09:50 PM said "They can ban it all they want but if the pier is owned by the Fediral Goverment, they can not make the ticket stand. only the Fediral Goverment can Pass a ban on pier jumping to make it stand in court." If the citation states that it is "illegal to enter county waters" from breakwaters or piers then the Federal Government doesn't even play a part. Also if the risk is your big thrill then paying a 250.00 fine simply becomes part of the Big thrill. I wonder who pays the fine or gets the big thrill if you drown?
Posted by: J Location: S.B. on Jun 12, 2008 at 05:11 PM
they should pass a law forbidding pier jumping,and fine anyone who is caugh jumping starting at $75.00 the first time and add $25.00 each time they are caught after wards.The fines could be used for beach safety and safety education.These fools that it is a sport had better get off what ever they are drinking or smoking.
Posted by: Chris Location: Saint Joseph on Jun 12, 2008 at 04:48 PM
I don't see the big deal, I have lived in Berrien County my whole life. When I was a teenager I pier jumped to. Yes you have to have common sense and if you don't you should even go out on the pier. If you can't get back on the pier swim to silver beach is like 100feet away. If you can't swim that you shouldn't of been jumping anyway. The funny thing is that I didn't even know it was legal, when we did it around 1990 we were told that was not aload by the coast guard. Alot of things we do give us a chance to die. If its your time to go then I don't care what you are doing. What are we going to ban everything that gives you a chance of death. Whats next everyone walking down the street wrapped in bubble wrap. Maybe Saint Joseph should just put a diving platform out in the lake then we can stop worrying about this. Put it like 200 feet out so if you can't swim there you don't jump.
Posted by: Brighter Bulb Location: Steveville on Jun 12, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Mark, not the sharpest doll in the toybox are you? If the whole of society just concentrated on regulating what we recognize as major crimes, what do you think would happen? I'll tell you what would happen: Anarchy. Before long, those big crimes like murder would be committed over "petty" things like letting your dog run loose, not trimming your lawn, or jumping off a pier. Modern society has to constantly redefine what's acceptable behavior, and that's all this is. That's why this is being debated by County commissioners not the Police or the Supreme Court in DC. Do you understand? Probably not.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 12, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Brenda: Uh... what?
Posted by: Still enjoying life Location: HappyVille on Jun 12, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Brenda, just where in the heck do you get off? What a stuck up miserable person you must be! All I said was enjoy life and do something fun! And I really resent the implication I take drugs! But I guess if thats the only way YOU can enjoy yourself, you just assume the rest of us wallow in the gutter too. Keep your miserable junkie comments to yourself. Everyone else, enjoy the summer and stay safe!
Posted by: mark on Jun 12, 2008 at 02:26 PM
so crime is gone, this is all they have to deal with?
Posted by: Brenda Location: Benton Harbor on Jun 12, 2008 at 02:20 PM
No Willie you know you be over there on Jefferson Hill picking up your usual Street Walker... That's why you like to get your drugs here, cause they make you feel like a REAL MAN.... Not one who hides behind Comments????
Posted by: brenda Location: Benton Harbor on Jun 12, 2008 at 02:15 PM
"Enjying Life" you really need to stay off the DRUGS..... Because you must be high to make such a STUPID comment. You'll be the next one we read about (I Bet then you wished you had a BRAIN...
Posted by: Brenda Location: Benton Harbor on Jun 12, 2008 at 02:12 PM
If them fools want to jump off that pier then let them. They should be warned "Not to expect a rescue" Jump at your own risk.... Stop wasting our tax payer’s money on these Idiots........
Posted by: s Location: bremen on Jun 12, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Why should they pay a lifegaurd to watch someone do something stupid?
Posted by: Enjoying LIFE Location: Happyville on Jun 12, 2008 at 12:23 PM
@ enjoy the lake safely So, it's immature to have FUN? Wow, what a great life you must lead and we should all follow your example? At 6, 36 or 96 jumping off a pier or doing anything that makes you happy isn't immature, its called LIVING, you should get down off your high horse now and again and try it!
Posted by: Enjoy the lake safely Location: South Bend on Jun 12, 2008 at 11:17 AM
If you want to jump off the pier, fine. If you get into trouble in the water, there is no life guard, and you will suffer the consequences. Many people do dangerous things, and a few get killed doing something dangerous. Here's a suggestion for the south pier:Post a sign that says Jump at your own peril..... There is no lifeguard on duty. I like walking the pier, and watching the fireworks at Venetian Fest, but will not jump into Lake Michigan at the south pier. If you feel the need to do so, go ahead. Just remember, if you get hurt or die, it is YOUR FAULT. This will not stop the adventure seekers from jumping into the lake at the south pier, and a law against it will not either. The only thing that will stop someone from doing something dangerous is common sense and maturity. The 36 yr old(M) obviously suffers from a lack of both, but it's his life. In closing, just remember the last words a daredevil(idiot)says before he dies:HEY Y'ALL, WATCH THIS!!!!! Thank you.
Posted by: Robbie Location: Berrien Spgs on Jun 12, 2008 at 10:55 AM
At present it may only be the people from out of town that are dying from jumping off the pier but do we need to wait until someone from in town to die before something is done? The water may appear calm but there is a current underneath that could pull you in. I also agree with Chelsea from St Joseph MI.
Posted by: M Location: V on Jun 12, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Joe, I'm 36, jumped last year, came up with a steelie. it's not about age, it's do you sink or float. They should ban Willie, he kills me.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 12, 2008 at 08:00 AM
4 deaths in 22 years? Sounds like it's safer than walking in downtown Benton Harbor; maybe they should ban that as well.
Posted by: Murph Location: South Bend on Jun 12, 2008 at 06:41 AM
About 100 children under 5 years old drown in bathtubs in the United States each year. So should be ban bathtubs as well? Seems like it takes a lot more young lives than pier jumping does.
Posted by: M Location: V on Jun 12, 2008 at 06:37 AM
What Anom said at 8:03 - almost exactly what I was going to say. Chelsea, I'm sorry about your losses, stay away from water. Anom at 8:40, exactly, compare how many people do it to how many get done in. Maybe the city can issue a license to jump to qualified swimmers - win-win.
Posted by: Joe Location: Elkhart on Jun 12, 2008 at 06:04 AM
Only dump people die? If your're from out of town it doesn't count? It's true, you should be smart enough to not jump off the pier, but come on, we're talking about teenagers, Not the Einstein's of society. People don't always know what's best for themselves. That's why we have laws in the first place. One other question, why are comments even posted when they sign in as Anonymous? If people are so convinced of their opinions, why should they be ashamed to put their name with it? It's just a way for people to trash others without the fear of retribution...
Posted by: mike Location: south bend on Jun 12, 2008 at 05:45 AM
awesome...lets cram another useless law down our throats. I strongly agree that tragidies often follow bad choices. Theres going to come a point where living isnt worth living anymore becasue the government and paranoid people will ruin it by making it as squeaky clean and boring as they possibly can. Do i think its dumb to jump off the pier....YES! Does their need to be a law...NO! My god.. decisions (good OR bad) are what makes life...life. Its their own personal decision to jump off NOT YOURS or THE GOVERNMENT!! I could care less about someone jumping off of the pier. People and the government need to stop dictating what everyone else should do and follow based their personal views and shut up
Posted by: greg Location: mishawaka on Jun 12, 2008 at 05:16 AM
four dead in 22 years should you ban driving
Posted by: Pat on Jun 12, 2008 at 03:59 AM
I say let them keep jumping and put a life guard there so they can do it safely.
Posted by: Joyce Location: Coloma on Jun 12, 2008 at 01:15 AM
DON'T BAN PIER JUMPING! MAKE IT SAFE WITH A FLOAT LINE & A RED FLAG FOR BAD DAYS. The kids have been jumping for years. It's terrible & sad that some have lost their lives, but jumping didn't cause their deaths. What were the conditions, etc? Just another way for the city to make money. I say " LET THEM JUMP" !!
Posted by: b Location: sb on Jun 11, 2008 at 11:07 PM
lets just please let people live I guess you just don't like anything alittle dangerous and I'd bet you would never sky dive??????
Posted by: Bi;; Location: S.B. on Jun 11, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I agree the pier jumping is dangerous not only the rocks but the boats and the hooks of the pier fishermen,on the river side as this is the only side that it is deep enough to go off of due to the dredging of the army corps of engeering keeping the chanel open for the larger ships can come in with there cargos and the Coast Guard Cutters can dock at the station,there is something safer and useful these crazy people could do that is constructive.
Posted by: Liz Location: IN on Jun 11, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Are we really to a point as a society where we have to hold each others hands and point out every little danger to one another because we are unable to see what is harmful? If a person isnt bright enough to see that leaping into deep and choppy water without a life jacket is harmful to their health maybe that person shouldnt live on to populate this country. Nature calls that natural selection. We may claim to be the greatest country on Earth, but Ive never heard anyone argue that we are the smartest.
Posted by: Pete Location: St. Joseph on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Maybe they should just pass a law that says if you feel that you are young and invincible...we will not risk the lifes of public safety officials to try and save you or remove your dead body from the lake waters. Your family can then walk the pier and shores and wait to retrieve your dead body when it surfaces and washes ashore days or weeks later.
Posted by: Mark Location: Stevensville on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:50 PM
They can ban it all they want but if the pier is owned by the Fediral Goverment, they can not make the ticket stand. only the Fediral Goverment can Pass a ban on pier jumping to make it stand in court.
Posted by: Heather Location: St Joesph MI on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:34 PM
I agree with Chelsea from St Joesph MI.
Posted by: Mary Location: SB on Jun 11, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Who said natural selection doesn't occur?
Posted by: Chelsea Location: St. Joseph on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:54 PM
IT SHOULD BE BANNED. I'm 20 years old, and for many of my teenage years, I witnesses my friends and others jumping off the pier. I never did it myself... my dad lost his best friend from jumping off.. my grandma almost drowned when she was young... and I have had other family members and friends die at there. The kids who jump off and think nothing will happen to them, or that they are strong swimmers don't know what they are doing. I hope they do ban it!! I don't know why they shouldn't!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I think it should be banned. It is so dangerous and so many young people have drowned by doing so. I was there yesterday and couldn't believe how many teenagers were jumping off. The water was rough yesterday. One strong current and that would have been the last of them.
Posted by: betty on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:15 PM
i dont get it i was out there and theres no way to get back up if you jump in and people keep juming in and dieing so only dumb people would jump in and if your dumb why would some sign says dont jump in its illeagle bother you from jumping in with all that other stuff saying hey dummy dont jump in so yeah go ahead make it illeagle then the next guy drowns you can arrest the dead body i guess its true if your dumb you die
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 11, 2008 at 07:03 PM
I love this quote '“This is a life threatening thing,” said Berrien County Commissioner Jeanette Leahey. “When you jump off that pier, you are taking your life, you are actually, have the possibility of losing your life.”' Geeze, does he know that if you walk on the sidewalk you have the possibility of losing your life? How about if you drive a car?! Oh is that too much? 13 deaths in 22 years. That doesn't sound to bad if you ask me. How many deaths have happened in Berrien County due to cars in the past 22 years? Lets look into how many people per year jump off the pier vs the total number of deaths. Then lets flaunt statistics.
Posted by: Lauren Location: St. Joe on Jun 11, 2008 at 06:39 PM
MY GOD!!!!!! i cant believe that they would ban it why cant they just say on horrible days (only stupid people would even go to the beach when it's really bad.) Thy people who died are from out of towns and are very stupid. I don't think that they should ban it i think they should have the life guard say when its OK to jump when its nice and calm and theres no waves.