News

Jul 31, 2023

Editorial: Suicide nets on bridge bring a new kind of training

The training of first responders to help those who jump from the Golden Gate

The training of first responders to help those who jump from the Golden Gate Bridge into newly installed nets that are intended to save lives is a milestone.

It is a harbinger of a long-awaited shift away from the bridge's tragic reputation as a place where nearly 2,000 people have made suicidal jumps from the landmark.

The nets, made of stainless steel ropes, should dissuade would-be jumpers, but those who are compelled to jump are going to find themselves trapped and will need to be rescued.

That's where the training, a training facility and specialized equipment is going to be vital. Given the 20-foot fall into a steel net, those who jump will likely be injured. They also may be suffering from emotional trauma, making it even harder for rescuers to physically subdue them in order to safely – both for the victim and rescuer – get out of the bridge net and to safety.

It might be far different than what rescuers may be used to – most often repelling down a cliff to rescue hikers who might have fallen or been trapped by rising tides.

Organizing rescue crews, law enforcement and bridgeworkers to be a well-trained unit, should the need arise, is an important task.

To facilitate that response, the bridge district is building a special training tower – a facsimile of the bridge and netting. Training will also take place on the real bridge, which is 250 feet above the bay.

The goal is to bring a halt to the bridge's tragic history of being a magnet to those seeking suicide.

Since the span was opened in 1937, the bridge has been the scene of more than 1,800 recorded suicides. In some years, there have been several deaths a month. The net is long overdue. Its installation, which has been the source of debate for years, is a milestone, hopefully bringing an end to the tragedy and trauma bridge suicides have caused.

The state, federal and local funding for this work is a sign that this is not just a regional issue, but a mental health challenge that has touched lives across the country.

The number of deaths and loss to families and friends would be much higher if it wasn't for successful intervention by trained bridge workers, law enforcement and volunteers who have been able to identify persons contemplating suicide, talk them out of jumping and getting them help.

With its installation set for completion in November 2023, it is hoped that the net's presence will effectively discourage would-be jumpers.

Time will tell, but similar nets erected in other places have made a difference.

Having rescuers trained for what would be a unique situation makes a world of sense both for saving those stuck in the net and minimizing risk for them and their rescuers.

Sign up for email newsletters