EXPERIENCING the waves crashing over your feet and around your legs is something that many wheelchair-bound people would never get to enjoy.
It is taken for granted by most able-bodied people.
But thanks to the mobi-chair at Alkantstrand, wheelchair-bound people can now enjoy the beach as much as anyone else.
A blue flag requirement, the mobi-chair was issued to Alkantstrand when the beach held the prestigious status.
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The mobi-chair is a floating beach wheelchair especially designed for use by adults.
With wheels for pushing the person to the water, the chair also has buoyancy aids so it can float.
While the mobi-chair is a significant addition to Alkantstrand, usage is limited to ideal sea and weather conditions – a decision that must be taken by the lifeguards.
It cannot be used in rough, choppy sea, windy and overall bad weather conditions.
The lifeguards are on hand to consult with anyone wanting to make use of the mobi-chair and, as beach monitoring and safety is their responsibility, they decide whether or not conditions are suitable.
To take advantage of the mobi-chair, wheelchair-bound people must bring a partner who can assist them in pushing them in the chair and ensuring their safety while in the water.
While the lifeguards are on hand to keep an eye on anyone using the mobi-chair, they must still carry out their regular beach patrols, which means they are not on hand to solely assist people with the mobi-chair.
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