05/20/2026
It's time for some hard truths.
This message is coming from me, Jeanne. A personal plea. I don't know what else to do anymore except to ask for help.
We know on hot days people in the community have snuck onto Adams Point Beach after hours and off season. We also know far too few pay attention to the "Private Property" and "No Trespassing" signs.
But that does not make it appropriate for people to use the beach when we have no lifeguards on duty, whether a member or not.
To be frank, it's literally a matter of life and death.
Many of you know of the tragedies we've experienced on Queechy Lake the past few years, one just weeks ago. Honestly? I don't ever want to have to call 911 again, or get a call from emergency services, or race to the lake to comfort a heartbroken family, or put up another sign to protect people and property.
In the 10 years I have served on this Board, I have never been more fearful for people's safety ... our #1 priority is keeping you safe, but you have to help us do that. We can't do it alone. That's why we have rules.
It's for you. For all of you. To protect you.
Why am I calling this out today?
Because the heat has brought many to the beach this week. Once told we’re closed, most have politely left, but others have argued. When we point out that they literally walked past half a dozen signs stating “Beach Closed,” “Private Property,” “No Trespassing,” and that the property is surveilled by cameras, not to mention slipping through two locked gates, I was met with … "but we’ve always come off-hours!"
As I said earlier, I am well aware people have violated the rules for decades. But now, it’s different. Now, it needs to stop.
Why do we need to enforce the operating-hours rules?
For one, liability insurance. We have to fill out comprehensive forms, stating our operating hours, safety procedures, proof of clear signage, and guarantee our swimming hours are strictly regulated and supervised by certified lifeguards. We must report if we've had drownings, near drownings or major injury claims on the property in the past 3-5 years. That's only a portion of the questions.
I think you see where I'm going here. If a higher rate of accidents occur, it's not just a question of increased rates, but also of being canceled all together.
To be blunt, this is not anyone's private beach.
Why is the beach run as a membership?
The APBA Board leases and works tirelessly to manage the beach for the benefit of the community. Full disclosure, it costs approximately $50,000 a year and countless volunteer hours to manage. That pretty beach doesn't build itself. A lot of work goes into it.
I truly wish it were large enough to accommodate more than just Canaan and New Lebanon residents, but our size is limited, as well as our bylaws.
Where to swim if you aren't eligible to join APBA ...
Before we owned property in Canaan, we used to swim at Chatham's Crellin Park and Lake Taghkanic State Park. If you aren't eligible to join APBA, these are wonderful, family-friendly spots.
Please note that the DEC Fishing Boat Launch does not allow swimming. Accidents have happened there, and it's critical that people do not put themselves in harm's way.
And this is where we need your help.
Access to this little beach is a privilege—one we do not want to lose. The best way to preserve our beach is for our community to look out for each other. Be smart. Be safe. Be patient. Heat waves always pass.
There are reasons we aren't able to open early, despite Mother Nature deciding to turn the dial up. We still have things to accomplish before the beach is ready to open:
- Sand is being delivered
- The Town Highway Department then schedules to spread it
- Portable toilets are arriving
- Finally, the Health Department will inspect the beach so we may legally open
These are all critical to-do items that require the Board's time and attention, without distraction.
Once we're open, if another heat wave comes, we always try to find guards available to work so we can open on a random day. Trust me, no one looks forward to our 7-days-a-week schedule more than this Board. I always have a lump in my stomach waiting for the moment we can have daily eyes on your children and family to keep you all safe.
How can you help?
Be patient. Be understanding. Rules exist for a reason—safety. And safety has to come first, above physical comfort on a blistering day.
I'm asking for people to get creative and use some common sense. Perhaps on these crazy hot days when we're closed, maybe get a sprinkler, be a kid again and run barefoot in your backyard.
I'm confident no one wants to lose the privilege of having APBA as our haven. So, let's all respect the rules.
If anyone has questions or needs financial assistance to become a member, please reach out to me directly. You may email [email protected] or call/text me 518.331.7706.
Let's have a safe summer.
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
President Adams Point Beach
