[to insert a photo of the Mobi-chair with Julie Sawchuk at Main Beach]
Contact(s)
The Town of Goderich’s Main Beach is now equipped with a WaterWheels floating wheelchair. Residents and visitors can book this chair for FREE by calling the Accessibility Coordinator at 519-524-8344 x212 or sending an email to mjohnston@goderich.ca starting August 8, 2023. Daily rentals will start August 21, 2023.
An accessible beach mat (Mobi-Mat) is also in place over the sand at Main Beach leading to the water.
How Does It Work?
WaterWheels users are secured in the chair with a harness to ensure their safety. The WaterWheels works like a wheelchair and floats in the water however, it does require assistance from another person to use (push). Both adults and children can use the WaterWheels. Learn more about how the WaterWheels works.
- During 2023, the Town will provide free daily rentals from 10 AM to 5 PM from August 21 to September 30
- Commencing in 2024, the Town will provide free daily rentals from 10 AM to 5 PM from June 1 to September 30
- As part of the rental, you will need to sign a Rental Agreement and Waiver that outlines how to use the chair safely
Renter Responsibilities
- Pick up the WaterWheels from the storage shed located at Main Beach
- Return the WaterWheels to the storage shed when you are done using it (no later than 5 PM) and lock the shed
- WaterWheels users must be accompanied by an attendant during transfer to and from the WaterWheels and while in the water
- Assess your participant's/user's ability to swim; non-swimmers must provide and use a lifejacket
- Not use the WaterWheels without a support person or in unsafe weather or water conditions
- Not take the WaterWheels to another location
Although the WaterWheels floats, it is not a boat. The sitting position is stable and you won’t slip out of the beach wheelchair under normal conditions of use. The floating wheelchair has a weight capacity of 300 pounds or 136 kilograms.
