What are volunteers doing at the Ann Morrison take-out? The Boise Police Department wants to know what river floaters think of new rules governing the activity. On Saturday and Sunday, volunteers at the Ann Morrison Park take-out will distribute a link to an online survey that asks floaters 12 questions about their experience.
Why now? After a proposal last year to crack down on bridge jumpers and boogie boarders, the city of Boise softened its approach this spring. Instead of an outright ban on jumping off bridges into the Boise River, the city prohibits jumping within 50 feet of rafts and other floaters.
How is this different from the old days? Before the new ordinance, jumping off bridges was a misdemeanor. Enforcing the old policy meant arresting jumpers — many of them minors — and processing them through the court system. To many, that system was clunky, time-consuming and overkill. Violations of the new policy are infractions. Police officers can simply hand offenders tickets for as much as $98.
I’m not floating this weekend. Can I participate? The survey is available online. Find a link at IdahoStatesman.com
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012_Boise_River
