The Daniel Island Property Owners’ Association (POA) would like to address ongoing safety concerns related to individuals who have been observed jumping from the Captain’s Island Bridge near the end of Rhoden Island Drive in Daniel Island Park into Ralston Creek below.
This activity is extremely dangerous and has become an increasing concern for residents, boaters, and staff who regularly witness it. In addition to the physical risks, it also creates issues related to trespassing, vandalism, littering, and loitering on nearby private property.
To clarify jurisdiction, the Captain’s Island Bridge is owned and governed by the City of Charleston, and enforcement authority rests solely with the Charleston Police Department. Under City Code Sec. 19-352, Ordinance No. 2024-139, it is unlawful to jump or dive from bridges within the City of Charleston due to the serious risk of injury associated with varying water depths, submerged hazards, tidal currents, vessel traffic, and wildlife, including alligators that have been sighted beneath the bridge on multiple occasions.
The ordinance also extends beyond the act of jumping itself. It prohibits individuals from climbing on bridge structures or sitting on bridge railings and other elevated portions of the bridge. As a result, a person positioned on the railing or bridge superstructure in preparation to jump may already be in violation of the ordinance before entering the water. Individuals observed engaging in any of these prohibited activities are subject to enforcement by law enforcement authorities.
A key challenge in addressing this issue is timing. Most reports are made after individuals have already left the area or are made to the POA, which does not have jurisdiction to enforce the ordinance. These groups typically remain on the bridge only briefly, and by the time officers are called, the individuals are no longer present, which limits the ability to take immediate enforcement action.
When this activity is observed in real time, it should be reported immediately by calling 911 so that law enforcement has the best possible opportunity to respond while individuals are still on site.
Even though the bridge itself is not POA property, proactive steps have been taken to discourage this behavior and improve safety. When POA staff directly observe bridge jumping, they contact 911 and inform individuals that they are violating the City ordinance. In addition, signage has been installed at entry points on both sides of the bridge on POA property to reference applicable City regulations and deter this activity for the safety of both participants and boaters passing beneath the bridge.
The creek beneath the bridge presents significant hazards. At low tide, water depths can be as shallow as approximately five feet, and the area includes oyster beds, rapidly shifting currents, passing boats, and wildlife. Any of these conditions can result in serious injury.
Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to speak with children and young adults about the dangers of this activity and the importance of respecting posted rules and private property. Community awareness and real-time reporting are essential in helping prevent injuries and reducing unsafe activity in the area.
Safety on and around the waterways remains a shared responsibility, and timely reporting directly to law enforcement plays a critical role in addressing this ongoing concern.
