The legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett is credited as saying, “The ocean’s always been a salve to my soul. The best thing for a cut or abrasion was to go swimming in salt water. Later down the road of life, I made the discovery that salt water was also good for the mental abrasions one inevitably acquires on land.”
Often a symbol of cleansing, purification, and the transition from one state to another, water has long been a powerful metaphor for a means of healing — be it spiritual, personal or physical. Because healing isn’t always found in a hospital or house a of worship. Sometimes, it’s found amid the ocean waves.
For many American veterans, the transition back to civilian life is fraught with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and feelings of isolation. While traditional therapies have their place, an increasing number of nonprofits are harnessing the healing power of the ocean to help veterans reconnect with purpose, community, and themselves. All set against the vast, restorative backdrop of the sea, these organizations combine adventure, therapy, and conservation.
Here are just a few of the most impactful programs leveraging ocean-based activities to support our nation’s heroes:
Diveheart — Diveheart provides adaptive scuba diving programs for individuals with disabilities, including veterans suffering from amputation, paralysis, or PTSD. Beneath the waves, there’s the opportunity for both physical therapy and emotional renewal in a weightless, quiet environment. With specialized equipment and instructors trained in adaptive diving techniques, the organization opens the underwater world to those of whom might never otherwise have the experience. Support and learn more at diveheart.org.
Dive Pirates Foundation — Founded by scuba enthusiasts, Dive Pirates sponsors injured military personnel and veterans for open water dive training, often including travel and full dive gear. Their motto? “Honor, support, and inspire.” The foundation gives veterans the chance to experience freedom and adventure in the deep — regardless of their physical limitations. Support and learn more at divepirates.org.
The Dive Pirates Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, introduces adaptive scuba diving to people with mobility disabilities, often injured military, law enforcement, and first responder veterans. Founded in 2003 as a social diving club, it has grown into a volunteer-driven organization that trains, equips, and takes participants on life-changing dive adventures.
President Gregg Wentworth has led the organization for a year but has been involved since 2009, when he and his son Travis first joined. “Our dive instructor invited us on a Cayman Brac trip and introduced us to Nate Gonzalez, a Marine paralyzed from a car accident. He’s the first adaptive diver we bonded with. You meet fantastic folks and develop lifetime friendships. We fell in love with the organization.”
Adaptive diving accommodates a wide range of physical challenges, from minor limb limitations to quadriplegia. “We like to focus on the abilities more than the disability,” Wentworth said. “Show us what you can do, and then we’ll rate you classified one, two, or three.” Severe cases can require three adaptive dive buddies to assist with getting on and off the boat and providing in-water support.
Dives are typically kept between 40 and 45 feet, with equipment and techniques tailored to each participant. Wetsuits are altered as needed, buoyancy is fine-tuned, and in some cases, limbs are secured for stability. “Once you get them in the water, there’s no boundaries,” Wentworth said. “It gives them a lot of freedom.”
The benefits go beyond recreation. “These guys have chronic pain, but if we bring them down to depth, their pain goes away. It’s quiet, meditative, and gives them a 50-minute break from reality. Once we get them back on the boat, we get the camaraderie, the fun, and that sense of belonging.”
The foundation operates with a small paid staff and relies heavily on volunteers, donors, and local dive chapters. Its largest fundraiser, the Dive Pirates Ball, takes place each spring. “We all dress up as pirates, have special gifts and auction items, and it’s our chance to go crazy and have a night of pirates.”
For Wentworth, it’s about restoring confidence and community. “We don’t treat them any different. We assist only when they ask, and we try to maintain their independence as much as possible. That’s huge for someone who was once fully independent and now isn’t.”
FORCE BLUE — A unique force of good, FORCE BLUE pairs former Special Operations veterans with scientists and marine experts to tackle conservation challenges like coral reef restoration. The program channels military skills into ocean-saving missions, offering a renewed sense of purpose and brotherhood in the fight for the planet. Support and learn more at forceblueteam.org.
Freedom Alliance — Freedom Alliance helps veterans heal through a variety of therapies and recreational outings — typically within their “Outdoor Adventures,” “Offshore Experience” and “War Heroes on Water” programs. Combat-wounded veterans enjoy therapeutic fishing and sport‑fishing tournaments for camaraderie and personal empowerment. These outings, plus boating, jet‑skiing, and lake excursions, serve as group retreats to help ease PTSD and foster a connection through shared experiences in serene aquatic settings. Support and learn more at freedomalliance.org/experiences/outdoor-adventures/.
Mission FISH (Fishing, Interacting, Sharing and Healing) — Mission FISH organizes saltwater fishing trips that bring together veterans, active-duty personnel, and volunteers. The simple act of being out at sea, paired with shared stories and support, helps participants battle anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Support and learn more at missionfishusa.org.
NOAA Fisheries Veterans Programs — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries offers training and employment for veterans in marine science and habitat restoration. These opportunities not only aid conservation but help veterans transition into meaningful civilian careers that align with national service values. Support and learn more at fisheries.noaa.gov.
One More Wave — This nonprofit provides wounded and disabled veterans with custom surfboards and wetsuits tailored to their injuries. Even more importantly, it builds a tribe, a surf community where veterans find empowerment, joy, and a reason to paddle out one more time. Support and learn more at onemorewave.com.
Operation Amped — With the motto “Surf. Heal. Grow,” Operation Amped uses the ocean’s rhythm to help injured veterans ride out their trauma. Through hands-on surf instruction and weekend retreats, the program focuses on healing through adrenaline, balance, and community. Support and learn more at operationamped.org.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) — Combining serenity, focus and precision to promote mental health and dexterity, PHWFF offers fly fishing, rod building, and casting instruction for disabled veterans. While not exclusively ocean-based, this organization earns its place for its coastal programs and commitment to healing through water. Support and learn more at projecthealingwaters.org.
The ocean can be a place of mystery, strength, and renewal. For many veterans, it’s more than water, it’s a current that can lead to recovery and salvation.
