After a winter of shaking and shivering, a spring getaway to warmer weather is an ideal way to unthaw. Although beaches offer the toasty temperatures you’ve been dreaming about, the sandy terrain might seem like a barrier between the promise of sun and your mobility device. EZ-ACCESS strives to help you find accessible options to seize each day, and we suggest the following fair-weather tips to squeeze the most out of your beachside spring break:
- Research accessible beaches: More and more, beachy tourist destinations are revamping to accommodate mobility devices. Look for beaches that feature paved walking paths around the perimeter and boardwalks that extend into the sand from adjacent parking lots. Also, consider the set-up of restrooms and changing houses to ensure a smooth outing.
- Look into beach wheelchairs: Sand and uneven ground creates a hassle when navigating your daily wheelchair around the beach. With oversized tires and breathable mesh seating, beach wheelchairs are designed to help you tackle the sand with ease. Check with your beach’s lifeguard station or your hotel’s concierge to see if they have a few for paid or free rental, or ask around at beachside storefronts.
- Bring tarps: If a beach wheelchair isn’t an option, pack a few durable tarps or mats for your outing. When laid out, the barrier between sand and wheels creates a runway to get you from parking lot to sandy spot with less difficulty. Bringing two tarps allows you to station your chair on one surface while the other is placed in front of you, creating a rotation for an adjustable path.
- Wear a floatation belt: When you want to cool off in the waves, your caregiver can give you a hand maneuvering from sitting in your chair to sitting in shallow waters. Wearing a flotation belt discreetly offers back support while you sit and a layer of safety in the event of tipping for those with weak muscle control.
- Take advantage of nearby shops: Escaping out of the midday sun and into nearby shops is part of a successful day at the beach. Visit restaurants outside of peak meal hours to avoid the hubbub of tourists, and look for restaurants that offer sidewalk and other outdoor seating options to enjoy the breeze outside of hard-to-navigate indoor seating layouts.
As you travel, transporting your mobility chair doesn’t need to be a hassle. Our line of SUITCASE® portable wheelchair ramps offer portable, lightweight solutions to rolling your mobility device in and out of your vehicle with ease so you can zip from the parking lot to the beach in no time. Questions? Let us know!
