Tilbury Times Reporter
More than 100 children took part in the Essex County Farm Safety Day at the Comber Fair Grounds, where families gathered for a full day of hands-on learning focused on farm and rural safety.
The annual event, designed for youth ages 5 to 12, featured stations on farm equipment, water safety, emergency response, grain hazards and other risks common in agricultural settings. Volunteers guided groups between demonstrations, and parents were welcome to stay with their children throughout the day.
Event coordinator Grace Pearson said the program aims to give both farm and rural children practical skills to help prevent injuries. She said the day included demonstrations from Lakeshore Fire, EMS, farm-equipment operators and water-safety instructors, noting that the event rotates between Harrow and Comber each year.
Co-coordinator Dan Metcalfe, who has been involved with the event for more than a decade, said his station focused on severe bleeding prevention. He said children learned how to respond safely to injuries that can occur around machinery or tools, and added that emergency responders demonstrated fire-extinguisher use, PTO safety, grain hazards and drowning-prevention techniques. Instructors also showed children how to properly size and wear life jackets.
Metcalfe said Essex County’s mix of field crops, livestock operations, greenhouses and equine facilities makes safety education essential for families across the region.
Organizers thanked sponsors, volunteers and the Comber Agricultural Society for supporting the event and providing the fairgrounds. Planning for next year’s Farm Safety Day is already underway.