A popular spot for jumping into the lake in Okanagan Falls may soon be restricted by the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen for liability reasons.
The Okanagan Falls trestle bridge has long been known as a spot to leap for leisure into Skaha Lake. But a recent risk assessment shows the RDOS could be liable for any accidents.
“The trestle is owned by the Province of British Columbia, who have issued a ‘license of occupation’ to the RDOS to operate a ‘non-mechanized public recreation’ trail on the KVR railbed,” reads a report that will be presented to the RDOS board on Thursday. “The license does not contemplate a jumping/diving platform.”
The RDOS recently put up signs prohibiting jumping and diving off the trestle bridge after being informed by Risk Management Services that there are potential legal ramifications should an incident occur at the site.
The Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Commission has received multiple letters and calls opposing the change since it was implemented in May.
The board will hear and discuss a recommendation from district staff that the aluminum ladders below the gate on the bridge be removed, that further signage be installed along the rail sides to warn against jumping off the trestle and that the railing on the trestle be redesigned so the top cap is peaked and not sloped.
District staff consulted a lawyer on the matter, Ian Moore, who recommended the RDOS tread carefully.
“As there is clearly a risk of harm in this situation, RDOS has, in my opinion, a duty to both warn and take steps to mitigate the risk of harm,” Moore wrote in his summation of the issues.
“RDOS does not need to prevent jumping in its entirety, but it should act in a way that does not invite it,” he added.
The matter will be before the RDOS board Thursday.
