Operation Open Water

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY & COUNTRY

Operation OpenWater (OOW) was founded in 2020 to promote health and wellness for our military and first responders. OOW is built upon three cornerstones: adventure, exercise, and fellowship.

OOW focuses on the healing power of the water through adventure, exercise, and fellowship, using evidence-based programs to reduce stress, alleviate PTSD symptoms, and foster resilience.

Nationally, there are 18 million veterans and nearly 5 million first responders. In Orange County alone, there are 140,000+ veterans and 10,000+ active first responders, 20% and 30% (respectively) of whom experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or related conditions. This is a direct result of the high-stress environments in which they work, where they are exposed to traumatic incidents, emergencies, active military duty,
combat experiences, separation from loved ones, reintegration challenges, and life-threatening situations.

Orange County, North Carolina, Virginia