Dexter passes ordinance to stop diving off bridge

DEXTER – The Town Council on Thursday put a halt to teen-agers – or anyone else – jumping off the Guy B. Hall Bridge into Lake Wassookeag.

After learning that a teen-ager suffered neck injuries recently after having jumped from the bridge, the council adopted an emergency ordinance to prohibit diving or swimming from the bridge.

The local teen-ager, who had jumped from the bridge and had struck a boat that was traveling through the underpass, suffered a broken collarbone, according to Town Manager Robert Simpson.

Next month, the council is expected to review a permanent ordinance that will stipulate fines for violation of the ordinance.

The emergency ordinance also prohibits diving and swimming at the public boat landing on Little Wassookeag, which is shallow water, and off the shoreline at Ronco Park, which has broken glass.