DESTINATIONS ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL | BEACHES


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SeaTrac in Skiathos; accessible pathway at Alcudia beach; New Smyrna


Beach, Florida PICTURES: Cristian Montoro Ortiz; Shutterstock/Georgios Tsichlis


Selling tips


EWhen choosing a beach holiday, the first thing clients will want to know is what access is available. Find out as much detail as possible and remember that everyone’s needs are different.


that they can offer advice to customers with varying needs. For example, some travellers may require wider doorframes for their particular wheelchairs. Limitless Travel has also worked with lifeguards to see how they can support disabled travellers, such as by taking them down ramps that lead into the sea and then into the water by using specialist floatation devices.


STRAIGHT TO THE SAND


Abigail Dunn, senior marketing executive at Ocean Holidays, which sells accessible beach holiday packages, says: “Florida is known for its beaches; the good news is that those with disabilities are invited to the party too.” Florida is ahead of the game when it comes to


accessibility, with a number of beaches providing wheelchairs with thicker wheels that allow clients to move around on the sand – something that’s not possible in a regular wheelchair. Clearwater Beach has two manual chairs and recently


introduced two electric chairs, which have adjustable armrests and seats, seatbelts and all-terrain tyres. These can be hired free of charge at Clearwater Beach Lifeguard Tower at 180 South Gulfview Boulevard. Beach wheelchairs can also be hired free of charge,


on a first-come, first-served basis, from any of the four lifeguard stations along the Daytona Beach Oceanfront. It also has several hard-packed sand areas, which means wheelchair users may be able to drive their own chairs to the shoreline. Miami Beach also makes use of roll-out mats, in addition to free use of manual and electric beach


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wheelchairs that can be hired at South Pointe Park and 1001 Ocean Drive. The manual ones are able to enter the water up to six inches deep. Miami Beach’s Adaptive Oceanside Park includes an accessible playground for children, a fitness area and a butterfly garden. Dunn adds: “Oceans of Hope in New Smyrna Beach [a non-profit organisation] offers adaptive access to water sports, including customised surfboards and kayaks that empower those with disabilities to demonstrate that ‘anything is possible’.” In Europe, wheelchair user and blogger Georgina Layton has been impressed by several beaches on Spain’s Costa del Sol. In Fuengirola, there is a specialised disabled section of the town’s beach, which has wooden pathways designed to support all types of wheelchairs. Those who want to get into the water or ride on the sand


can hire amphibious chairs, which have inflated wheels and arm rests, or make use of ‘noodle’ floatation devices. Layton explains that, during her visit, she was fantastically aided by socorristas (lifeguards) who, for a small fee (around €5) will cater for disabled travellers during their beach visit, including helping


travelweekly.co.uk


33Oceans of Hope [in Florida] offers adaptive access to water sports, including customised surfboards and kayaks


E Be aware that some beaches might have access onto the sand with ramps or pathways, but there might not be the opportunity for everyone to get in the water – check with clients about what it is they want from their beach experience.


E Ensure the beaches you’re selling to clients have appropriate toilet facilities, with red chords for emergencies and ramps to access them.


E Look for and highlight any water-based activities and experiences at accessible beach resorts that clients can take part in.


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