NBC Channel 12 is reporting that the City wants swimmers to know that they need to follow their rules. From the article:

“Last year we had 78 calls to the river for river rescues. Of that we pulled 52 people off the river,” said Richmond Fire Department Lt. Shawn Jones.

So far this year firefighters raced out to the river 16 times, pulling 5 people out.

“The current is moving relatively swiftly here, so this puts the rescuers at danger and also the person being rescued,” added Jones.

Richmond police can ticket anyone not obeying river rules. The citation comes with a maximum fine of $100.

The city can also choose to make a person reimburse the city for rescue expenses which are based on the distance and equipment used. Even people, who qualify for a permit when water levels are above nine feet, are responsible for rescue fees. But since 2008 police have only cited 14 people. It was unclear if anyone has ever had to pay for a rescue, but the option’s there.