The Story Behind BeachAbility

FAQ’s

If you can’t find an answer to your question here be sure to contact us, if you would like to book a chair please check availability using the form below.

Click on a question below to reveal the answer.

• Who can use a BeachAbility chair?

  BeachAbility is for any person who finds that, for whatever reason, they have difficulty to walk on the beach.

  People who have used our beach wheelchairs include:

  • People with long term disability from conditions such as stroke; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s; head injury; motor neurone disease; spinal injury and cerebral palsy.
  • People with temporary mobility impairment such as those with a leg in plaster.
  • People who are weakened by medical conditions such as breathing difficulties or cancers.
  • The elderly, who are not disabled but may be frail and find the beach a challenging environment to walk on.
  • Those who would like to  attend weddings, birthday parties and family gatherings.
• Covid – 19
  Our beach Wheelchairs are available during this time to regular users only.

  We are unable at the present time to offer an employee or Supporter service. This means we cannot offer services to those who need our hoist.

  We are able to train new users as regular users.

  All locations are open for our regular beach wheelchair users apart from Gunsite as at present is has no chair.

  Bookings will be strictly by telephone and email at which time we shall provide you with the current access code for the padlocks.

  In between each chair use you must thoroughly clean the equipment to keep the risk of cross infection to an acceptable level.

  If you have any individual questions, please phone or you may email us but please remember bookings will only be by telephone.

  The scope of operations will be reviewed again on a monthly basis, in the meantime we very much hope that you will be able to enjoy some outdoor freedom on the beach.

  Best wishes from the committee at BeachAbility.

   

• When are the chairs available and how far in advance do I need to reserve one?

  We are open all year.

  We try to respond as quickly as possible to requests for a chair booking we are but are not “on -site”. In the summer months it may take up to an hour to get our summer employee out to a booking. In non summer months more notice is required as we don’t have an employee. If possible book a day in advance.

   

• Can I use the chair on a regular basis?

  If you wish to use the chairs on a regular basis we can offer some basic training on the safety features of the chairs and our cleaning requirements to leave chairs in a good state for the next user. You may then access the chairs at their storage facility without the need of support from BeachAbility. This will allow more spontaneous  outings; all we ask is that you call us before taking out a chair to make sure it is is not double booked. If this is of interest to you please ask about “Regular User” training at time of booking.

• IS THERE A HOIST AVAILABLE?

  BeachAbility is pleased to announce that it will be able to support wheelchair users who require a hoist for transferring on to our beach wheelchairs.

  The portable hoist can be used at all of our locations. Occasionally we have to use the hoist at a short distance from the facility where we know the terrain will be safer for the hoist operation.

  BeachAbility wheelchair users will need to provide their own sling which needs to be of the “Tab” variety to affix to the hoist.

  Bookings can be made in the same way and a BeachAbility Supporter will meet you to familiarise you with the hoist. Conditions of use are that Beach wheelchair users must be accompanied by someone who is trained in the use of hoists and who know their client’s needs.

• What else do I need to consider or bring?

  It can get breezy on the beach and even on a sunny day can be cool. BeachAbility provides blankets for your use, but you should also wear sufficient warm clothing.

• What size are the chairs?

  The dimensions of the chair must be suitable to accommodate your size.

  Adult chair: Seat width and depth are 45cms (18 inches).

  Child/small adult chair: Seat width and depth are 36cms (14 inches).

  The maximum weight the adult chair can hold is 25 stone or 158kg.

• How long can I use the chair for?

  You can use one of our chairs for up to 3 hours. Arrangements can be made if you would like to have the chair longer or have regular access to a beach chair.

• What if the weather turns bad?

  BeachAbility fully understands that weather conditions can change. if you need to cancel your booking please let us know as soon as possible on 07797 935 088.

• Can the chairs go in the water?

  Chairs are suitable for paddling but not for swimming.

• Will help be available?

  BeachAbility has a friendly team of Supporters one of whom will meet you at the beach location. They will give you a demonstration of the wheelchair and see you safely on your way. The whole process takes no longer than 15 minutes.

  Please note BeachAbility Supporters are unable to help you get into the beach wheelchairs. You will need to be accompanied by an adult helper to assist with transfers and to push the wheelchair.

  Your Helper needs to be fit enough to push the wheelchair across the sand and up and down the slipways.

• How can I become a supporter?
  
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  If you would like to become a supporter then we would love to hear from you. Email us at beachability@hotmail.co.uk

• Where can I find more useful information?
  • Visit Jersey
  • CI Travel
  • Wetwheels
  • Technicare
  • Healing Waves
  • Shopmobility
  • Maison des Landes
  • Headway
  • Holidays for Heroes
  • Jubilee Sailing Trust
  • SNAP
  • Tides and weather
  • jersey-beach-guide
• Terms & Conditions of Use

  The User must:

  • Be able to perform a safe standing or a sideways transfer on to the beach chair without assistance from the BeachAbility supporters.
  • Have sufficient balance to sit upright in the beach chair without additional support.

   

  The Hoist User must:

  • Additionally bring a helper trained in manual handling who will take responsibility for the transfer.
  • Provide their own transfer sling.

   

  The User will provide:

  • Personal details of name, email address, telephone number and proof of identification when requested.
  • A helper who is fit enough to push the chair and control the chair on the slipways and soft sand.

   

  The User accepts responsibility:

  • To use the chair only on the beach and not enter sea with the chair or travel on the road.
  • To ensure that the wheelchair is suitable for their needs.
  • To use the wheelchair and transfer equipment completely at their own risk.
  • To take full responsibility for the wheelchair and return it in good condition.
  • To be liable for any damages sustained to the chair or third parties whilst on loan.
  • To report any defects or concerns to BeachAbility.
  • To leave personal belongings in BeachAbility sheds at their own risk.

   

  Under Covid-19 the User agrees:

  • not to use the chair if they show signs of the symptoms of Covid-19 as described on the Gov.je website
  • maintain one metre distance from the BeachAbility Supporter
  • clean the chair and touch points within the facility using the virucidal products provided
  • dispose of the single use cleaning materials away from the facility after use

  FOR YOUR SAFETY WE ADVISE

  • Wear the seatbelt provided
  • Take care on the slipways, they can be steep
  • Keep within walking speed
  • Take precautions fore safety in the sun
  • Observe the tides
  • Helpers wear secure shoes

   

  Privacy Notice

  Privacy Notice for Users of BeachAbility Facilities

  BeachAbility has collected the following personal information from you when you enquired to use our services as a regular user.

  This includes your name, telephone number and email address

  Your personal information will only be used to process your requests to use our service and to provide you with information relating to our service. We do not pass on your information to any third parties.

  Communications in connection with BeachAbility may be via email and text and will not be sent in an encrypted form. These are not fully secure means of communication. Whilst we endeavour to keep our systems and communications protected against viruses and other harmful effects, we cannot bear responsibility for all communication being virus-free.

  BeachAbility will take reasonable precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of information you give us.

  The personal information collected from you will be deleted after you have used our service. If you elect to become a Regular User and have independent access to our beach wheelchairs, your information will be held for the period you wish to access the service.

  If you would like your information deleted from our records, please email us at beachability@hotmail.co.uk

  Links within our site to other websites are not covered by this privacy policy.