Camp C.O.P.S. Takes To The Water With Natural Resources Police

Credit – Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Natural Resources Police

HUNTINGTOWN, Md. — A group of Calvert County middle schoolers traded their classroom chairs for life jackets this week during a hands-on water safety session at Kings Landing Park, part of the annual Camp C.O.P.S. program hosted by the Maryland State Police.

Camp C.O.P.S. — which stands for Courage to be Outstanding with Pride and Self-confidence — introduces youth to the role of law enforcement through interactive experiences. On Wednesday, Natural Resources Police officers led a “Water Wise” training designed to teach the basics of water safety and drowning prevention.

The session covered essential safety measures, including the importance of wearing a life jacket, recognizing hazardous conditions, and following boating regulations. Campers also learned how Natural Resources Police respond to incidents on Maryland waterways.

Following the training, officers took the campers out on patrol boats along the Patuxent River, giving them a firsthand look at water-based law enforcement operations. For many of the students, it was their first experience on a law enforcement vessel.

The program aims to build confidence and promote responsible decision-making, while also fostering positive connections between law enforcement and the community. Camp C.O.P.S. runs each summer in partnership with local and state agencies, rotating through a variety of public safety topics and activities.