FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) — Folly Beach City Council is set to hear a proposal Tuesday night that would establish a dedicated bridge-jumping ordinance, separating the activity from the city’s existing disorderly conduct statute.
Fire and police officials say the bridge leading onto Folly Beach is a common location for jumpers. As summer approaches, the Folly Beach Police and Fire Department sees an increase in calls from residents reporting people jumping from bridges.
Why a separate ordinance
Lt. Sierra Mitchell said most jumpers are children jumping recreationally. However, when a call comes in without context, responders must treat it as a potential crisis situation.
Bridge jumping is currently prohibited under the city’s disorderly conduct ordinance. Officials are asking the council to create a standalone ordinance, noting that nearby communities, including Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, already have dedicated rules in place. A separate ordinance would also make the prohibition easier for the public to find…