Bridge jumpers defy council warnings

Some young people have been choosing to ignore warning signs about jumping off the city bridges and several have been seen doing it off the Railway Bridge since Christmas. This Herald file picture is of jumpers taking the plunge when warning signs were not in place.

Bridge jumpers have been seen taking the plunge off the Railway Bridge into the Tūranganui River despite warning signs put up before Christmas and debris still noticeable in the water.

Gisborne District Council put warning signs up at the Railway Bridge, William Pettie Bridge (Rutene Road) and Gladstone Road Bridge.

Before Christmas, council harbourmaster Peter Buell said jumping from those city’s bridges was not safe.

“There are hidden hazards under the water.”

Wood that came down during the most recent big rain event last year remains stuck in the mud beneath the bridges.

“We cannot guarantee daily that the water underneath these bridges is free from debris. In fact, we know that is not the case,” Mr Buell said.

A specialist dive team will be here early this year to work on removing the debris.

The council stated in a release that Maori wardens would monitor the bridges and educate anyone about the dangers involved.

When The Gisborne Herald went to the Railway Bridge yesterday afternoon, several bridge jumpers left after speaking with wardens.