CONCERN over people jumping from the old Mandurah traffic bridge hit a new level on the weekend with youths stopping traffic to engage in the dangerous past-time.
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Extreme heat brought hundreds to the western foreshore, including a group of teenage boys and girls risking injury by taking the plunge off the top railing of the bridge.
Youths weaved between traffic to jump from both sides of the bridge with on-water traffic also busy at the time.
A City of Mandurah spokesperson said jumping from any bridge within the City boundaries was strongly discouraged.
Under the City’s Jetties, Waterways and Marina Local Law 2010 it states a person shall not ‘jump or dive from a public jetty or bridge’.
Penalties can be enforced for those doing so.
The risks associated with bridge jumping are well documented with the death of a local youth on Christmas Eve, 2009 receiving intense media coverage.
Wade McCurdy was killed after plunging from the Dawesville bridge while skylarking with friends.
City chief Mark Newman said clear signage on the Mandurah traffic bridge advised people jumping was strictly prohibited.
“Although this is a local law, it is very difficult to police,” he said.
“It’s disappointing that people continue to risk their health and lives by committing this act.”
During some City-run events barrier fencing is erected along the length of the bridge to further discourage and prevent people from jumping.
