Youth from all around Putnam County will have an opportunity to learn ATV safety this summer during the Indiana Sheriff's Youth Ranch.

The Indiana Sheriff's Youth Ranch will conduct numerous law enforcement / firefighter explorer academies this summer and will look to teach safety on ATV vehicles. The academies are free, specialized leadership cams for future law enforcement officers and firefighters. 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, children account for more than one in five ATV deaths each year, with Indiana ranked in the top 20. 

Participating students will learn several things including: becoming familiar with all controls, especially the brakes; utilizing safety equipment; reviewing terrain; refusing to use drugs or alcohol; the importance of wearing a helmet, long pants, closed shoes, knee and arm pads; how to ride at a safe distance; and how to ride defensively.

Applications for the youth academy will be available starting May 1 through all Putnam County schools and at the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. 

For more information, email Scott Minier at scottminier@yahoo.com or call 317-460-4242.