CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – This week the Charleston Police Department is hosting its Junior Academy where Junior Cadets can learn a variety of new skills and talents. On Thursday, the kiddos focused on boating safety and set out on the Elk River.

“We’re a river city, so we thought it was really important to show the kids, first of all, safety how you can have fun on the water as long as you’re safe about it,” says David Payne, Commander of the Public Services Division.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News

The children attending the camp say that the experience has been insightful.

“I always wanted to be a police officer when I grew up, and this has been very exciting for me. My family owns a pontoon, and we go out every day,” said Ashton Wandling, one of the cadets.

Most of the kids at this program are no strangers to water or boats, but they all learned new information today.

While the Department of Natural Resources says that there is no set way to practice boat safety, some common ways to reduce risks include wearing your life jackets and remaining sober behind the wheel of the boat.

According to the United States Coast Guard, over 4,000 boating accidents happen each year, and now these cadets have the tools to prevent them from they do not have to become a statistic.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.