By CHARLES TWEED
“One seat; one rider,” said a group of kindergarten students from St. Augustine School.
The kids were learning about farm safety during a visit from Kim Leitch, a representative with Alberta Farm Safety.
Leitch spoke to students from kindergarten to Grade 6 and each class received a different message.
“It’s important to teach kids about safety on the farm and we have different areas we touch on for different ages to keep them interested,” said Leitch. “Some people think it’s common sense, but it’s not. The kids need to know what is and isn’t safe.”
The main emphasis for the younger kids was the 5 Alives.
The 5 Alives are five simple rules to follow on the farm to help prevent accidents. The kids learn to have a designated play area on the farm and to stay within those boundaries. They learn that farm machinery are not toys and that livestock aren’t pets. Ice and water are another area of concern, making sure children know not to play around water unless an adult is present.
And finally, always remember, “One seat, one rider,” the kids enthusiastically hollered.
“The kids really like it. In the Grade 6 class we talk more about quad and Ski-doo safety and you might think after hearing the message for six years the kids are tired of it, but the class was excited and they wanted to talk more about safety,” said Leitch.
For more information on farm safety, check out www.abfarmsafety.com