What is Vets on the Water?

The Vets on the Water Project is an Outreach program developed to serve our growing  population of Veterans.

Many Elks are Veterans  themselves. We understand vets often feel alone . Many of us are dealing with or have dealt with the stress and problems and wish to offer these services to help other veterans. Readjusting to civilian life is difficult for some and for years some are caught in a  vicious cycle of  decline.  We hope to offer some relief from stress by providing a fun water related activity.

The good news is that many are able to  reverse course and even though some continue to struggle each day, their lives now have meaning when before there was none. Most importantly we have learned that many of our  Veterans find peace and solitude in the beauty of the great outdoors.

By and through our Veterans experiences we feel compelled to aid and assist other Veterans who we know are struggling. Through this program we hope to touch their hearts and open their eyes to the love and beauty that surrounds us.  We want to provide a break in their  routines and give them a chance to  participate in an outdoor activity and  hopefully bring some relief  in their routines and showing them there are many of us who do care.

Vets on the Water is a program developed with a grant from the National Elks Foundation for Veterans & Active Military dealing with stress, readjustment, injuries, Post Traumatic Stress  Syndrome (PTSD), etc.

It is the mission of Vets on the Water to provide an uplifting positive  experience through outdoor,  environmental & healthy activities that promotes the welfare and happiness of veterans showing that Elks care and Elks share.

In the Florida Keys we are blessed to have the pristine waters of the  Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Florida Bay and Ten Thousand  Islands where such activities are available.

Our Vets on the Water trips are offered 

COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE 

to all United States Armed Service Active Duty Personel 

and Honorably Discharged Veterans.

Vets on the Water is funded entirely by 

our Lodge fundraising efforts.

• Swim With Dolphins
• Swim With Sharks
• Back Country Fishing
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Kayaking 
• Paddle Boarding
• Eco Tour
• Jet Ski Tour
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour
• Pleasure Boating (Sightseeing Trip)
• Theatre of the Sea Visit
• Parasailing 
• Snorkeling