Man Rescued from Big River Bluffs at Rockford Park

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Emergency crews responded to Rockford Park in House Springs around 4:30 p.m. Sunday for a water rescue involving two men trapped on the rock bluffs above the Big River.

The High Ridge Fire Protection District arrived to find one man still clinging to the rocks, unable to return to shore. The incident involved a 43-year-old man from Creve Coeur visiting the park for the first time and a 35-year-old man from Wildwood on his second visit. One of the men was stranded at the edge of the river’s rapids and could not swim back. Firefighters launched a rescue operation to bring him to safety, while the second man managed to return to shore with assistance from others. Despite posted warnings against wading or swimming, the Big River remains a frequent site of emergencies.

In 2024, the park saw a record number of water rescues. Last year, a 33-year-old man from Illinois drowned at the same location.

In response to ongoing safety concerns, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office plans to assign deputies to Rockford Park and other water access points throughout the county on weekends to help prevent overcrowding and ensure emergency crews have clear access.