Crawford Bryant, 78, dairy farmer, outdoorsman

By DIANE VALDEN

CHATHAM—Nine people were provided emergency aid by volunteers from the Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross following a structure fire at 667 White Mills Road, Lot #57, May 12 at 11:54 a.m.

Columbia County 911 initially dispatched Tri Village firefighters along with Chatham Rescue. Niverville, East Chatham, North Chatham, Stuyvesant and Chatham responded to provide mutual aid and Columbia County Fire Coordinators assisted on the scene.

Firefighters entering the mobile home found a smoky condition and a grease fire on the stove, which had spread to the walls and ceiling. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze.

Minor property damage was reported and no one was hurt.

The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing to six adults and three children, ages 2, 5 and 11. Volunteers also offered emotional support, comfort kits containing personal care items, and stuffed animals for the children. In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery. The building inspector and NYSEG were called to the scene. Firefighters were back in service at 1:38 p.m.

Canaan

A driver was hurt in a one vehicle rollover accident on State Route 22 just south of MacNeil Road in Canaan, May 13 at 5:34 p.m.

Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Heath Benansky told The Columbia Paper that Kara Leclair, 37, of Pittsfield, MA, was driving east when her vehicle crossed the center line and went off the road, striking an embankment and rolling over.

A LifeNet helicopter was placed on standby, but was not needed.

Chatham Rescue took the driver with abrasions and a possible concussion to the Albany Medical Center for treatment. Ms. Leclair was the only person in the vehicle. Deputies William Newton, Steven Rose and Benjamin Doty investigated. No tickets were issued.

Canaan and Red Rock firefighters were on the scene until 6:45 p.m.

To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com

Council offers safety tips to boaters

GHENT—National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 18 to 24. All boaters are reminded to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

“We’re committed to teaching boaters that the best boating experience is a safe day on the water. This National Safe Boating Week, prepare for a great boating season by inspecting your boating safety gear and commit to providing comfortable life jackets for all your passengers to wear every time you go boating,” Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, a nonprofit dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign, said in a press release.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities, and that 75% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.

“The best life jacket is the one you will wear,” Ms. Phillips said in the release.

The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

•Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters. New York State will require everyone who operates a motorized boat on NY State waters to hold a Safe Boating Certificate by 2025

•Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition

•Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board before you leave the dock

•Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency

•Use an engine cut-off switch—it’s the law. An engine cut-off switch is a proven safety device to stop a powerboat engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard

•Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion

•Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating incidents in 2022 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout

•Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones, and always travel at a safe speed

•Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper

•Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

Learn more at www.safeboatingcampaign.com.