By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
More than 100 children took part in the Essex County Farm Safety Day at the Comber Fair Grounds, where families spent Saturday learning practical skills aimed at preventing injuries in rural and agricultural settings.
The annual event, geared toward youth ages five to 12, offered a full slate of hands‑on demonstrations covering farm equipment, water safety, emergency response, grain hazards and other risks common on farms across southwestern Ontario. Organizers said the goal is to give children — whether they live on farms or simply visit them — the confidence to recognize danger and respond safely.
Participants rotated through stations led by volunteers, first responders and farm operators. Parents were encouraged to accompany their children, and many stayed for the entire day, taking in demonstrations and asking questions about safety practices at home.
Event coordinator Grace Pearson said the program continues to grow as families look for ways to reduce preventable injuries.
“We want kids to understand what’s around them — tractors, tools, water, animals — and how to stay safe,” Pearson said. “It’s about giving them practical skills they can use every day, whether they live on a farm or spend time in rural areas.”
Pearson said this year’s lineup included demonstrations from Lakeshore Fire, Essex‑Windsor EMS, farm equipment operators and water safety instructors. The event alternates each year between Harrow and Comber, allowing families from across the county to attend without travelling far.
Co‑coordinator Dan Metcalfe, who has volunteered with the program for more than a decade, said his station focused on severe bleeding prevention — a topic he believes is essential for children who may be around machinery, tools or livestock.
“We teach them what to do if someone gets hurt, how to stay calm and how to get help,” Metcalfe said. “Kids are curious, and they’re often around equipment. Giving them the right information can make a huge difference.”
Emergency responders also demonstrated fire extinguisher use, PTO safety, grain hazards and drowning‑prevention techniques. Instructors walked children through the proper sizing and fitting of life jackets, explaining why flotation devices must be snug and worn correctly.
Metcalfe said Essex County’s diverse agricultural landscape — from field crops and livestock operations to greenhouses and equine facilities — makes safety education especially important.
“Every farm is different, but the risks are real everywhere,” he said. “Events like this help families build good habits and understand how quickly things can change around equipment or animals.”
Organizers thanked sponsors, volunteers and the Comber Agricultural Society for providing the fairgrounds and supporting the event. Planning for next year’s Farm Safety Day is already underway, with coordinators looking to expand demonstrations and add new stations based on feedback from families.