Great Yarmouth Borough Council reminds visitors and residents of beach wheelchair availability

The council are reminding visitors and residents of their convenience, with one beach wheelchair available to hire from Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre, situated on Great Yarmouth seafront, and another in Gorleston, which is due to be available for hire from the end of this week.

Once the Gorleston beach wheelchair is available to hire, details will be updated on the beach wheelchair page: https://www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk/visitor-information/beach-wheelchairs.

Users will be able to store their traditional wheelchair at the Sea Life Centre, with the help of staff, whilst using the beach wheelchair which is free of charge to hire and only requires a £20 refundable cash deposit.

The wheelchairs have large pneumatic wheels which allow them to slide over the sand giving people with limited mobility easy access to the beach without fear of damaging wheelchair wheels or getting stuck in the sand.

To book a wheelchair, please call the Tourist Information Team on 01493 846346 to ensure one is available. Once confirmed, download and complete the hire form from: https://www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk/visitor-information/beach-wheelchairs to confirm booking.

Cllr Carl Smith, leader of the council, said: "These wheelchairs allow users to go onto the sand and appreciate our wonderful beaches along with the rest of their family and friends. Everyone should be able to enjoy a day at the beach."

Please note that users must be able to transfer themselves from their usual wheelchair onto a beach wheelchair, as unfortunately there is not have a hoist available. Pushers are required as it is tricky for users to manhandle the wheels in the usual way. The chairs are supplied with a chest strap but do not have a head support. The maximum weight is 18 stone (252 lbs / 114kg). Children should be at least 3' (92cm) tall to fit in the chair.