LEARNING SAFETY ON THE FARM, WATER AND BEYOND

    It was a full day of learning as students in Kindergarten through eighth grade from Britton Hecla school and fourth through 8th grade from Sunset and Westwood colonies attended Rural Safety Day sessions at Britton-Hecla last week.  Local experts were on hand to share their knowledge.  This is the sixth Rural Safety Day organized by Marshall County Extension 4-H Youth Educator, Jennifer Ringkob, Program Assistant Laura Kuecker SD 4-H Ambassador Oliver Moeckly and the Marshall County 4-H Advisory Board. 
    Students in grades 4-8 traveled to eight stations in sessions held in the morning and afternoon.  Brett Kwasniewski and Leonard Diebert from Lake Region Electric demonstrated the importance of being aware of power lines and how to work safely around electricity.  Marshall County Healthcare Center representatives Toni Mattson, Ally Phillips, Carrie Williams and Kelsey Brooks taught students how to Stop the Bleed.  Students had the opportunity to get hands on practice with tourniquet and bandages by practicing on pool noodles.  Kim Roehr and Karole Chapin taught students how to use an AED and pointed out where they are located in the building.  Students were also able to practice chest compressions and received pocket CPR masks provided by Marshall County Healthcare Center. Brett Hockenbrock, North Marshall Fire Department, demonstrated why it is essential to be safe around grain carts and grain bins.  They learned how grain moves and saw first-hand how quickly one could be caught in the flowing material. 
    Trooper Ben Palleson and his crew from the SD Highway Patrol shared the importance of seatbelts through the roll over car demonstration.  Safety around large equipment and PTOs was taught by Ray Effling.  The tabletop PTO on loan from Sunset Colony showed students firsthand the importance of being safe around equipment with moving parts. 
    Jack Baumert the local Game Fish & Parks Conservation Officer prepared students to be safe on the water.  Whether on a boat, jet ski, or just swimming in the lake, Baumert shared vital safety information. Webster FFA/4-H youth shared their knowledge of all terrain vehicles (ATV) and the importance of wearing helmets, seat belts, and safety equipment.
    A new addition to the biannual event was safety sessions for students in kindergarten through third grade.  Marshall County Advisory Committee members agreed that students are never too young to learn, and our local professionals and experienced youth members did a great job.  The four sessions these students attended included Water Safety with Annika Tank and Mallory Grupe, Large Equipment Safety with Kelsey Fischer, Lawn Mower Safety with Oliver Moeckly and Isaiah Jackson and ATV Safety with Sheriff Sam Swanson.
    This was the sixth Safety Day sponsored by Marshall County Extension.  Ringkob said, “We have wonderful presenters who are passionate about educating our youth and appreciate the enthusiasm from the staff and students who attend.”