Police in the English coastal towns of Devon and Cornwall have developed a program to use surf therapy as a method of treating post-traumatic stress and mental problems among their officers, the report said. website of the authority itself.

They say this is the first time such a programme has been used for the police, which received support from various donations totalling 120.000 pounds (155.000 US dollars).

The programme is run by the Surfwell Project, which has already worked with ambulance drivers, firefighters and soldiers.

Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “Surf therapy is a key part of our wellbeing programme for both our police officers and staff and we have already seen the clear benefits.”

Cornwall and Devon Police Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “In these challenging times, initiatives such as this that combine medical expertise with a natural environment have been an innovation that truly benefits our emergency colleagues.”

According to the authors, the money from donors helps those who attend Surfwell reduce the number of absences and the amount of medication purchased for new surfers, which also helps prevent chronic illnesses.

A study by the Exeter University research team indicates a “clear improvement” in the mental health of participants.