Class coincides with Spokane Winter Knights Snow & ATV Show and Swap Meet
OLYMPIA – Oct. 24, 2014 – The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Spokane Winter Knights Snowmobile Club, is offering a free Snowmobile Safety Certification Class for youth in November.
The free class is designed for youth ages 12 to 16. The class is scheduled from10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the 2014 Snow & ATV Show and Swap Meet at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley.
The key to safe snowmobiling lies in the operator’s knowledge, capabilities, limitations and understanding of the machine. It is recommended that snowmobilers be aware of weather and trail conditions and the safety of other winter sports enthusiast, while respecting wildlife and environment.
The snowmobile safety course training includes:
- Basic snowmobile maintenance.
- Survival skills and dealing with emergencies, including an avalanche awareness presentation by representatives of the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC).
- The proper clothing and protection for winter weather.
- Hand signals while riding and other basic riding skills.
- Properly preparing for a ride.
Registration deadline is Nov. 1. To register online, visit
www.parks.wa.gov/130/Winter-Recreation. A parent or guardian will need to sign a consent form for each child registered and sign them out at the conclusion of the class. Participants should bring their own snacks, lunch and beverage.
For more information about the course, contact the Winter Recreation Program at winter@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8664.
Washington State Parks is responsible for Washington’s snowmobile safety and education programs, which are funded by snowmobile registration fees. State Parks and Washington State Snowmobile Association place special emphasis on providing snowmobile safety courses for young people and adults.
About the Winter Recreation Program
Washington State Parks administers the Winter Recreation Program in seven national forests and blocks of state and private forest land. The program manages Sno-Parks near groomed and backcountry trails for snowmobile and non-motorized recreational uses. For more information about the program, visit www.parks.wa.gov/130/Winter-Recreation. Stay current with trail grooming information, access to winter recreation opportunities and issues related to winter recreation on Twitter: @WaStatePks_WNTR (.https://twitter.com/WaStatePks_WNTR).
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Elexis Hisel, (360) 902-8664
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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