Council announces return of beach wheelchair available for hire

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 completely free of charge to hire.

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.

Those wanting to hire the wheelchair must email marketing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk with Beach Wheelchair Hire in the subject line of the email, the requested date and time of hire, a contact telephone number, the beach you wish to hire it from (Great Yarmouth) and a signed terms and conditions hire agreement.

Cllr Carl Smith, leader of the council, said: "Everyone should be able to enjoy our gorgeous beach and these beach-friendly wheelchairs allow those with mobility issues to do so along with the rest of the family."

Please note that users must be able to transfer themselves from their usual wheelchair onto a beach wheelchair, as unfortunately there is not 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 three feet (92cm) tall to fit in the chair.

All the information on the hire of the beach wheelchair is available on www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk