JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — On Sunday afternoon, Rockford Park in Jefferson County was packed with people.
Despite warnings signs to avoid swimming or wading, the Big River was filled with children and adults. Some were swimming, others were floating around.
High Ridge Fire Protection District Chief John Barton stood on the edge and had all eyes on the water.
"I worry about every weekend," Barton admits. "I worry about every weekend in the summer months."
Barton has dedicated 25 years to the High Ridge Fire Protection District and he said every year, Rockford Park brings some troubles.
"The river is unpredictable and unforgiving and it doesn't care if you're a good swimmer and if you're sober or not," Barton points out.
Since 2014, he said there have been five drownings, two were just last year.
The park shut down back-to-back weekends last summer.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said numerous fights, assaults, thefts and underage drinking led to its decision.
The area has since reopened.
Barton explained the overcrowding has bumped up in recent years. He believes the area has overpopulated due to word of mouth.
Now, Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies patrol the weekends and high-traffic times.
"The weekend specific problem is us having to difficulty getting into the park to render aid," Barton said.
Barton explained the area is flooded with cars and when there's an emergency, it's hard for first responders to access the blocked boat ramps and gates.
Crews rushed to the scene for their latest rescue on Saturday evening. This made it the fourth water rescue this year, involving nine victims.
"We had a 12-year-old girl and an older girl in her 20s were swimming by the bluff area and got caught in the current. Mom said she saw her daughter go under water several times and was yelling for help. Two bystanders jumped in the water and were able to get to the opposite side of the river but they couldn't come back because they were tired from swimming in the current," he added.
Their rescue teams were able to secure the group by boat.
The rescues are a reminder of the risks.
"We've already had one victim pulled unconscious from the water and transported in critical condition. My advice is don't get in the water because the water is unpredictable and it's changing all the time," Barton recommended.
As we enter the hottest month of the year, Barton urges park goers to think twice before testing Mother Nature.
"It's taking a gamble every single time with their lives and with the lives of bystanders and rescuers. It's up to people to heed the warnings and unfortunately they decide to take their chances," Barton said.
Earlier this year, the Jefferson County Council voted to change the name of the area from Rockford Beach Park to Rockford Park.
The idea to curb the recent issues by removing "beach" from the park's name.
This bill also prohibits alcohol and marijuana use. Originally, the bill prohibited swimming but that part was removed.