Blue Surf, a program for members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to undertake free surf lessons, celebrated its fifth birthday on Saturday, March 16, at Currumbin Alley beach.
The Blue Surf program has been operating since 2019 as a wellbeing initiative available to all employees of the Queensland Police Service, acknowledging the proven benefits of salt-water therapy.
More than 1,000 employees have learned new skills and experienced the healing benefits of the ocean thanks to the initiative.
The fifth birthday was celebrated with a learn to surf lesson for employees and their families, as well as beach games, a breakfast barbeque and prize giveaways.
Blue Surf Coordinator Senior Sergeant Julie Gilmore said the positive impact the program has had on the wellbeing of individuals is significant.
“Blue Surf provides an environment to help members who often deal with emotive, tense, distressing and challenging circumstances at work, which can affect the mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
“Whether its catching waves or just being in the water, I’ve seen firsthand the impact it’s had on people just by taking their mind away from life’s stresses.”
Blue Surf lessons are free of charge for QPS employees, funded by an internal initiative – Our People Matter, which focuses on four pillars of having healthy bodies, healthy minds, safe workplaces and fair and positive workplaces.
Senior Sergeant Gilmore emphasised the importance of prioritising mental health, especially for members of the QPS such as frontline officers.
“It’s hard to quantify its impact, but the feedback I’ve received from numerous individuals speaks volumes,” she said.
“Even for those who just need a break from work, it provides an opportunity to experience Australia’s amazing surf and learn a new and exciting skill.
“After five years, I can confidently say Blue Surf has achieved its intended objective, and I hope we can continue delivering it to members of the QPS”.
