Ditch Swimming

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By Jared Bray

Story Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 6:27 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 1, 2009 at 6:27 PM MST

BILLINGS - With temperatures rising, more swimmers are cooling off in city ditches. But with dozens of drownings over the years, the Billings Bench Water Association warns that such activity is illegal and dangerous.

The association says underground siphons that extend hundreds of feet can suck swimmers under water and make it almost impossible to escape.

"There is a city ordinance against swimming in the ditches because they have swimming pools they're supposed to be swimming in and we don't want anybody to trespass on our right away or to swim in our canals," said Gloria Luock, Billings Bench Water Association.

The association says that those walking along the canal are also at risk because too much weight on the edge could cause the bank to collapse.

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Randy Marshall said on Friday, Jun 4 at 8:01 AM

Ditch swimming is so amazing, you don't have to swim in canals, go in the road side ditches and go nuts.

ANDY FISH said on Friday, Jul 3 at 3:40 PM

GLORIA, IT WOULD TAKE A LARGE ARMY OF INFANTRYMEN (GROUND POUNDERS) TO EVER CAUSE A BANK CAVE IT. AT LEAST THAT IS SO IF YOU HEALED YOUR BANKS PROPERLY LAST SPRING. GIVE THE WALKERS A BREAK AND QUIT BEING SO PETTY.

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