Onekama Teens Receive Safe Sitters Training

Manistee County has eight new small business owners in town!

Through completion of the Safe Sitters course, eight Onekama Middle School students are now trained and ready to take on the great responsibility of babysitting.

The seven-hour training took place on Saturday, April 23 in the Onekama School media center and was provided by instructor Lisa Morley. Safe Sitter certification provides young teens with training in first aid, indoor and outdoor safety, and how to handle household emergencies.

“I think a babysitting course is important because you are in charge of the child’s life and you want to know what to do when a child chokes or is unconscious,” explained Safe Sitter graduate and Onekama sixth grader Maegan Hrachovina.

Added sixth grader Kaylin Sam, “Some helpful things I learned from Safe Sitters was how to talk on the phone when approached with a babysitting job, how to turn down offers, and when it is necessary to call 9-1-1.”

The day of training culminated with a demonstration for parents of the skills that had been taught, and a presentation of certificates to the eight graduates.