Can I jump off a bridge recreationally? What Washington law says
Swimming is a summer staple—especially in Washington because the warm weather is such a once a year experience.
For thrill-seeking aquatic lovers, you may be searching for a local bridge to jump off safely into water below.
But, have you stopped to ask yourself if you may be breaking the law?
Reddit user Anonynsauced recently posted a message on the r/Bellingham subreddit for those who enjoy jumping off the Bloedel bridge in Bellingham’s Bloedel Donovan Park.
“First of all, pick up your trash. I don’t know how much trash I pull out from the side of the bridge from kids and people tossing it there before jumping, it ends up in the lake!” The post said. “Second of all, [the sign] says no jumping. “
What do Washington State laws say about bridge jumping? Is it always legal or not?
Here’s what to know:
Is bridge jumping legal in Washington?
While there isn’t a blanket law against jumping of a bridge for fun, the people or cities that manage the bridges do have a duty to warn people of the dangers of jumping for recreation under the Revised Code of Washington 35.21.095.
“The executive officer, or a designated employee, with control of operations and maintenance of a bridge of any city or town may authorize the erection of informational signs near or attached to bridges providing location-specific information about the hazards of jumping with the goal of preventing future deaths,” the code says.
What can be included on bridge warning signs?
As opposed to the standard “no jumping” sign, under RCW 35.21.095 , signage in Washington aims to educate the public on the hazards associated with the body of water below.
The law is called “Zack’s Law,” after Zachary Lee Rager of Chelan County who died after jumping off a bridge. Although he had safely jumped multiple times before, water conditions had changed, and he did not survive the cold water shock.
Posted signs nowadays are intended “to provide more information than just “no jumping” so that people can better understand the hazards related to a particular location,” the code says. “Signs providing information on the hazards of cold-water shock that leads to drowning may be erected in locations where people might otherwise think a location is safe for swimming. Signs may include the statewide 988 suicide prevention hotline.”
What happens if I jump off a bridge that has posted signage?
One of the greatest potential repercussions associated with bridge jumping is injury.
“From a very mild injury maybe a sprain to a little worse injury where you can get a fracture or a devastating or a catastrophic injury such as broken neck or back resulting in a spinal cord injury,” Dr. Pete Mikkelsen previously told KLEW, a Kennewick news station.
Mikkelsen is Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of Emergency Services at Pullman Regional Hospital.
Even if you’ve safely jumped off a particular bridge previously, there is no guarantee that water conditions will be the same the next time.
Could I still be fined or jailed for bridge jumping?
It’s pretty much jump at your own risk, except in Snohomish County. Under county law Chapter 10.24.030, it reads, “It shall be unlawful to dive, jump, leap, step, or fish from or trespass upon any county property posted as hazardous.”
Those who violate this law are subject to a penalty of up to $500.
This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Can I jump off a bridge recreationally? What Washington law says."