Snowmobile safety classes begin

There is snow on the ground and the trails are beckoning sledders and would-be sledders to get out and have some fun.

But before the fun comes the safety.

"Each winter thousands of Saskatchewan residents take to the trails with their snowmobiles to enjoy winter weather with friends and family," stated a joint press release by the Saskatchewan Safety Council (SSC) and Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) at the end of October. "The key to their enjoyment is ensuring that they have the safety training to ensure they make it home every day without incident."

Prior to this season, both SSC and SSA offered safety courses. Now the two programs have been amalgamated with the latter organization taking over sole responsibility for educating snowmobilers in the province.

While the change offers administrative efficiency and economy for the two organizations, from the point of view of the public, it should be completely seamless, said Jerry Jemieff, a certified Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Instructor in Yorkton.

"I guess the only real big change is that we now offer a similar course online if you are unable to attend the classroom," he said.

Both in-person and online courses will provide students with the Snowmobile Safety Card, which is required to operate a snow machine on public property for people born in 1989 or later.

But while the online course offers convenience, Jemieff said the classroom experience has some advantage.

Everything is basically the same, however, it's a little different being in the classroom with a bunch of other students having a snowmobile right there versus taking it online and just seeing pictures of everything.

The key thing, though, is obtaining the knowledge to reduce the likelihood of injury, particularly for youth, Jemieff said.

"Today's sleds are built fast and powerful," he explained. "When you have a 12-, 13- or 14-year-old running a machine that is, say, 600 ccs or faster and higher, they can be a real handful for the operator."

Jemieff is offering classes November 30, January 25, February 22 and March 29 at the Western Development Museum. Participants must be 12 years or older. The cost is $75.

To sign up, call Jerry at 306.620.0460, the SSA at 800.499.7533 or visit www.sasksnowmobiling.sk.ca.