JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — On Tuesday, a WWL Louisiana camera was rolling as a rider tumbled over the side of a Krewe of Argus float. He got up minutes later and was able to walk away. After the dramatic video aired many viewers wondered whether the man was required to wear a harness.
The rider was on the top level of Float #20, which according to the krewe’s permit was named “Oceans Away.” The fall happened when the float was close to the corner of Causeway Boulevard and Veterans Boulevard.
In the footage the man throws something off the float then pitches forward. He flips once in the air before hitting the ground. The parade pauses and a crowd rushes onto the route. A WWL Louisiana photographer went down to the street and filmed as the man got up, waved, and was able to walk away.
In a statement JPSO said he was not seriously injured.
Two witnesses said they saw the man run across the top of the float right before he fell. Many social media commenters pointed out that he does not appear to be wearing a harness in the video. WWL Louisiana spoke with Krewe of Argus Co-Captain Lawrence Chehardy, who declined a formal interview but noted that the krewe does not have a harness requirement.
In New Orleans, all float riders have to be anchored by either a harness or safety belt. The ordinance specifies the size and material of the harness as well as the way it is attached to the float.
The rules are much less strict in Jefferson Parish.
The only riders required to wear harnesses are those under 12 years old, those standing on something other than the floor of the float, and all riders on floats where the safety rail is less than 40 inches tall. The ordinance also only specifies a “safety harness” or a “safety device”-- there are no rules regarding the type or any other features.
The difference in rules between the two mega-parade parishes is not common knowledge. WWL Louisiana spoke on the phone with Parish Councilmember Hans Liljeberg who represents the district where the incident happened. He was surprised to learn that harnesses are not mandatory for all riders in Jefferson Parish. “I actually checked with Citizens Affairs and they said we did have one,” he said.
He added that he will “get on it and make sure that we do have” a law like New Orleans’. “We should have an ordinance that requires harnesses.”
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