FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- The City of Fairfield is currently discussing an ordinance that will enact stricter safety rules for swimmers at Bonnifield Lake next summer.
In July, a 31-year-old man died by accidental drowning at the lake after he was swimming beyond the ropes with a young girl. The city decided soon after that it needs to put several safety measures in place to prevent another accident from occurring.
At Monday's city council meeting, members of the Fairfield Public Safety and Transportation Commission, the Fairfield Parks and Rec Department, the Fairfield City Council and the Fairfield Police Department will once again discuss an ordinance that will change general swimming suggestions to specific rules, as well as enact consequences for breaking lake rules.
"I think the big difference is using the floatation devices as horseplay, otherwise, it should be pretty simple," said Derik Wulfekuhle, Director of the Parks and Rec Department. "It's just now we have backing for people that aren't following the rules that we could cite them."
Under the ordinance, police, water works employees and Parks and Rec employees would be able to give out citations to those swimming at the lake after hours or past the designated swimming areas. The hope is that stricter consequences will lead to fewer people taking risks while swimming.
The ordinance would also limit lake use from sunrise to sunset and the beach could be closed at any time for safety or health reasons, or if rescue devices were to be stolen or misplaced. Police Chief Julie Harvey said the beach committee is also looking into giving safety and CPR classes to residents willing to learn.
Wulfekuhle said the ordinance is being discussed during the off-season so that it can hopefully be passed and enacted come summertime.
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