Spring breaker billed for rescue after video shows he jumped off Texas pier, city says

A man’s “fall” from a Texas pier into a rough surf led to a spring break rescue, but now he has been billed by the city and police.

That’s because, after reviewing security video as part of a city investigation, officials say the man jumped from the pier.

“Security video shows the man climbing the guard rails and intentionally jumping from the top guard rail into the bay,” the City of Corpus Christi said in a news release. “He tried to swim to shore, but the wave action forced him to hold on to a pier piling.”

The Corpus Christi Fire Department was called to Cole Park Pier on Monday, March 14, officials say, and rescuers safely pulled him from the water.

Video of the rescue was captured by KRIS-TV, which shows first responders pulling the man onto a raft as strong winds and waves were present.

The spring break visitor “suffered minor injuries,” according to the city news release.

Following an investigation into the jump, the Corpus Christi Police Department issued the man a citation up to $500 for scaling a structure that forbids climbing.

That fine is in addition to the city’s $2,689.75 bill to cover the full cost of his emergency water rescue.

“Our new Cole Park Pier is safe for people of all ages. The new pier includes numerous safety features and is ADA accessible,” City Manager Peter Zanoni said in the release. “The City of Corpus Christi has zero tolerance for acts of violence, vandalism, or pranks that erode public trust and cost the taxpayer money.”

Cole Park Pier recently opened after having been closed since 2018 “after structural deficiencies were discovered.” The city demolished and rebuilt the pier, which is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing.

This story was originally published March 17, 2022 at 8:31 AM with the headline "Spring breaker billed for rescue after video shows he jumped off Texas pier, city says."