Operation Soul Surf soothes police

When it comes to healing the mind, there is no quick fix. But Sergeant Barry Randall has learned that a little saltwater can help.

Sgt Randall describes his policing career as nearly 30 years of “high highs and low lows”.

Just nine months into the job, Sgt Randall attended a fatal shooting incident.

At a time when mental health was rarely acknowledged, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and turned to alcohol to manage his anxiety and insomnia.

“I can recall senior members telling me to get back on the horse and that WorkCover would be a black mark on my records,” Sgt Randall said.

“It felt like a choice: look after your mental health or your career, but not both.

"Thankfully, that’s changed a lot over the years.”

A fresh start

At a crossroads so early in his career, Sgt Randall decided to relocate from his station in Wodonga to the coast.

Born in New South Wales, Sgt Randall grew up by the ocean. He was a member of the local surf life saving club and an avid surfer.

“Water for me is very calming — it resets my brain,” he said.

“I wasn’t too familiar with Victoria, so I opened a Melway and pointed to the Mornington Peninsula.”

Sgt Randall made the Peninsula home and was stationed at Rosebud.

He met his wife, started a family and made surfing a weekly ritual once again.

While Sgt Randall knew the benefits of surfing for his own wellbeing, it wasn’t until he watched a documentary on surf therapy that he had a lightbulb moment.

Soon after, Operation Soul Surf was born.

Surf-based support

Sgt Randall reached out to East Coast Surf School, local surf outlets and sponsors to set up programs designed for first responders and military veterans.

Each free program includes four two-hour lessons and a post-surf meal where participants bond over shared experiences.

“There wasn’t a clear mission at first," Sgt Randall said.

"I just spoke to some ex-coppers and veterans who said they were keen to have a go.

“Learning to surf is very physical, very immersive.

"They can get out of their own heads for a while, which resonates with so many of us.

“Word of mouth spread and people started asking how they could join. I’ve since taught members from as far as Echuca.”

Acting Sergeant Phil Davis, who recently completed a Soul Surf program, said it gave him time to “get outside of myself and be among the elements”.

“We spend so much of our time trying to control everything around us, particularly on the job,” A/Sgt Davis said.

“The sand and the waves do their own thing and have done for millions of years — being reminded of this helps with anxiety.

“The waves made sure we looked ridiculous, but that was the point.

"It was about relinquishing control, trying something new and doing it together.”

More than 100 participants so far

Since launching in 2021, Operation Soul Surf has supported 120 first responders and veterans impacted by PTSD and trauma.

Sgt Randall said many participants have since incorporated surfing into their lives.

“I always joke I should’ve called Operation Soul Surf ‘Smiles for Miles’ instead," he said.

"It’s hugely rewarding seeing so much joy brought to these people."

For 24/7 crisis support or suicide prevention services, please call 13 11 14.

If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).

Current and former Victoria Police employees and their families can also access wellbeing services via bluespacewellbeing.com.au(opens in a new window)