For many snowmobile enthusiasts around the province, the recent snowfall has been a welcomed surprise, with snow arriving just in time to kick off Snowmobile Safety Week.
January 15, 2012 marks the beginning of Snowmobile Safety Week in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Safety Council, along with the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Association work together throughout the snowmobile season to promote safe and responsible attitudes when snowmobiling.
During the week of January 15 to 21, various safety courses, clinics, seminars and displays will be held and seen throughout the province in order to raise awareness about snowmobile safety.
Peter Huebner, Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Safety Council Snowmobile Safety Program, insists Snowmobile Safety Week is a really good thing for everyone. "The week focuses special attention on all aspects of snowmobile safety and encourages riders to prepare and think first before heading out."
Saskatchewan has over 10,000 kilometres of groomed and well maintained snowmobile trails for riders to enjoy. Utilizing the trails is 66 percent safer than riding outside of the trail.
Obstructions are removed from the trails early on and signs are clearly posted to make riders aware of upcoming risks.
"Everyone should learn about the area before you go out by referring to maps, talking with local residents and accessing resources provided by local snowmobile clubs," Huebner said, advising snowmobilers to always ride on familiar terrain.
In Saskatchewan, all snowmobile operators born on or after January 1, 1989 are required to take the Snowmobile Safety Course in order to operate a snowmobile on public land.
Participants must be at least 12 years old to register for a course. The Saskatchewan Safety
Council offers the snowmobile safety course in communities across the province. For more information about the Snowmobile Safety Course please contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council at (306)757-3197 or visit www.sasksafety.org.
