(La Porte, IN) - Bridge jumpers in La Porte run a greater risk of being caught this summer.  Police have announced a crackdown on jumping from the Waverly Road Bridge.

It’s in response to numerous complaints about teenagers and young adults jumping from the bridge into the water at the channel connecting Stone and Pine lakes.  Police Chief Paul Brettin says jumping from the bridge is not safe and violates city ordinance.  Fines start at $50.

“Knock it off if you’re jumping. You will be hit by the City of La Porte Police Department with an automatic $50 fine if you’re caught jumping.  We will be monitoring this,” said Mayor Tom Dermody.  The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will also be keeping an eye on violators.

La Porte Parks Superintendent Mark Schreiber is urging parents to have a serious talk with their children about not jumping off the bridge due to the serious injuries that could occur from landing on a boat coming in and out of the channel or hitting bottom.