Grade 5 students from across the region once again gathered to learn how to look out for dangers and stay safe in the community at annual the Progressive Ag Safety Day held in Altona on Friday. The surface of the Sunflower Gardens arena was buzzing with activity as the students from Ecole West Park, Gretna Elementary, Rosenfeld Elementary, Border Valley and Plum Coulee schools participated in presentations ranging from firearm, electrical, water, yard, pet and drug safety.

Coordinator, Brendan Funk, a Constable with the Altona Police Service said this is a great age to work with.

"They want to be here. It's not just a day that they get to skip out of school," he said. "They're so engaged. They listen. They want to learn. They want to absorb all the knowledge that's provided to them."

His hope is that the students take away at least one thing that can help keep them safer in their day-to-day lives, and to pass on what they learned to their friends, parents and other loved ones. 

Joshua Funk looks after community engagement for the Pembina Valley Humane Society (PVHS) and spoke to the kids about what the organization does, how it helps animals in the area, and how to be safe around dogs. 

Joshua Funk looks after community engagement for the Pembina Valley Humane Society (PVHS) and spoke to the kids about what the organization does, how it helps animals in the area, and how to be safe around dogs. Joshua Funk.

"Kids can be very comfortable around dogs and not really think first before they see a puppy in the street and run up to it wanting to say hi. So, I'm talking to them about how to be safe around dogs and what steps they should take to protect themselves because dogs, they're not all friendly, some dogs have their little behavioural issues and it's important that kids can recognize those."

One of those indicators is body language, said Funk.

"I've been talking to kids about how to tell when a dog is friendly so, loose bodies and stuff like that, and how to tell when a dog is nervous you or even anxious or can be aggressive and potentially will bite."

Constable Tristan Fournier-Jones is also with the Altona Police Service, and says his goal was to have a conversation with the students about drug safety and the different types they may encounter.

"Like alcohol and caffeine. They're all drugs. And then there's obviously drugs like methamphetamine and other opioids, and the items that are used to consume those drugs," he explained. 

A big part of the conversation, noted Fournier-Jones, is what makes 'good' drugs, like Tylenol and Advil, and taking them to a doctor's orders or a parent/guardian's instructions. 

Overall, he feels kids are more drug-aware than when they're given credit for. 

"They're definitely seeing things, either in the community or online. Some of the kids have mentioned little documentaries they've watched on YouTube or whatever. They're great things that everyone should watch that way everyone's kind of aware. 

Just because we live in a rural area of Manitoba, doesn't mean it's not impacting where we live. It's important for them to be situationally aware."

Presentations ranged from firearm, electrical, water, yard, pet and drug safety.