JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — A popular summer destination in Jefferson County is closed again this weekend due to safety concerns.
Rockford Beach on the Big River in House Springs has been a popular summertime spot for decades. Perhaps too popular.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department officials cite large crowds in recent weeks that they fear could overwhelm first responders. As a result, the Jefferson County sheriff’s and parks departments have closed Rockford Beach from July 14-16. This includes the river access. It will reopen on Monday, July 17.
The beach was also closed last weekend.
"We all got together and decided, alright, we got to do something in the short term and for now this is the solution we have come up with," Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Public Safety Information Coordinator, Grant Bissell, told 5 On Your Side.
Less than a week ago, a man jumping into the water from bluffs in the park failed to resurface. His body was found the next day by High Ridge firefighters and the Missouri State Highway Patrol's water patrol team.
Since Memorial Day, sheriff’s department officials say they have also responded to numerous fights, assaults, theft and underage drinking. Sheriff’s department officials said emergency response vehicles have been restricted from entering and leaving the park by illegally parked and an abundance of vehicles.
"This place has just been absolutely packed and way, way past capacity," Bissell explains, "Over the Fourth of July weekend there were hundreds if not over a thousand people out here and if you look around we only have roughly 40 parking spots."
Once the parking lot is full, visitors park along the entrance road and on the shoulders of Highway W, potentially creating a dangerous situation for drivers, pedestrians, and first responders.
PHOTOS: Rockford Beach overcrowding
"The river itself is a hazard and it's well known to be a swimming hazard. That is something that fire and EMS crews deal with quite frequently," says Bissell.
If a water rescue or medical support would be needed, first responders fear they wouldn’t be able to launch a boat from the overcrowded access. The park is closed all weekend and will re-open on Monday.
The sheriff’s department said it plans to meet with community stakeholders to “ensure a safe path forward for Jefferson Countians who wish to enjoy their parks.”
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