It is finally starting to feel like summer in Airdrie and with the increase in temperatures, many Airdrie residents are heading out to enjoy the local parks, bike paths and other amenities.
However, as the heat has recently risen, so too have the numbers of bridge-jumping incidents into various waterways around the city.
Airdrie RCMP and the City of Airdrie are advising that these activities are not safe, as water levels frequently rise and fall in those areas and it is difficult to know how deep the water is. Additionally, RCMP states the waterways are not treated and have the potential to be unhealthy for swimmers.
Residents of communities that are home to these bridges and waterways have are also voiced concerns about the disruptions caused by bridge-jumpers, according to RCMP.
“One evening there were over 50 kids at a bridge, and they were there with music and coolers full of drinks,” stated a press release from the detachment.
“Some of the vehicles they were driving were stunting and driving recklessly and the kids were impeding traffic and pedestrians,” the statement continued.
RCMP would like to remind the public there is a City of Airdrie bylaw for loitering, and those found to be loitering in a public area can be fined $250. Law enforcement are considering enforcing this bylaw due to the impact these activities have had on members of the surrounding areas.
"The City of Airdrie and Airdrie RCMP are asking parents to have conversations with their children about the dangers of bridge jumping as well as the repercussions," the release concluded.
