life’s a beach

I’ve always loved swimming, especially in the sea. The temperatures in the English Channel can make it a bracing affair but the benefits would always leave me invigorated. My disability and disease has never offered me any real remission but swimming  offered a counter balance and a way to fight back both physically and mentally. Sometimes I’d have to crawl across the sand or get carried into the water by my mates which was always a spectacle – especially when they dragged me out, but it was always worth it. Later I’d meet Julie and we’d travel abroad more, especially to Spain and its Islands which was where I’d be introduced to beach wheelchairs.They were a game changer allowing disabled people access to the beach or the sea  along walkways laid on the sand. Alright, I appreciate the Iberian sea temperatures are warmer than those of the UK, but accessibility has always been a bit of a bugbear of mine since ending up in a wheelchair and I truly believe no one should get left behind, stuck on the promenade or marooned in the sand. What with the Mercury levels going through the roof this summer a cooling dip in the sea or just to be beside it – would be appreciated by most of us I suspect and thankfully things are looking up for those with mobilty issues. A number of local beaches have stepped up to the plate. An initiative by a local councillor in Seaton has seen a walkway for wheelchair users installed on the beach but Exmouth have gone the extra mile by setting up a beach wheelchair station.

Driven by local councillor Pauline Stott, the council secured funding for 6 chairs (which aren’t cheap) and set up a hub near to the lifeboat station. It’s a cracking service with understanding volunteers, where everything is centered on the users peace of mind and enjoyment. I’d reserved one of the chairs online and upon arrival I was effortlessly hoisted from my wheelchair and into one of these brilliant machines. A couple of my good buddies (a bit of muscle is required), then wheeled me across the road and onto the beach and forthwith into the sea. Even with the ongoing heatwave, the water was still a shock to the system and my whole body went into spasm, but once I’d acclimatised it was so enjoyable getting massaged by those waves and being cooled by the ocean. It really is a fulfilling experience and my body was tingling afterwards as though my nerves had been hot wired into action again. I’ll definitely be doing that again. It’s a shame though that Teignbridge council have not got a similar operation at Dawlish Warren. The beach there would be perfect and the disabled pound (£) is worth a few bob – but at least there are signs that the tide is turning for the better.
https://exmouth.gov.uk/book-a-beach-wheelchair/