Background Stay and Play

Beach Wheelchair

Picture of Julie Sawchuk and Mobi-Chair Floating Wheelchair with Town Staff

The Town of Goderich’s Main Beach is now equipped with a WaterWheels floating wheelchair as well as a non-floating Beach Access Wheelchair.  Residents and visitors can book either chair for FREE by contacting the Tourism Centre via email tourism@goderich.ca or by phone:  519-524-6600 (open 9 AM - 5 PM daily).   Daily rentals will start June 28, 2024.

An accessible beach mat (Mobi-Mat) is also in place over the sand at Main Beach leading to the water. 

WaterWheels - The Floating Wheelchair

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. 

  • The Town will provide free daily rentals from 10 AM to 5 PM from June 28 to September 7, 2024
  • 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

 Picture of WaterWheels in use on a beach

 

 Special thanks to Julie Sawchuk, Sawchuk Accessible Solutions, for this generous donation!

Beach Access Chair - Non-Floating Wheelchair 

In the Fall of 2023, the Rotary Club of Goderich generously donated a non-floating Beach Access Chair to the Town for use by residents and visitors.  This sturdy, light-weight, all-terrain, specialized beach wheelchair allows easier access in sand, snow, and other soft soils.  This chair has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.

  • The Town will provide free daily rentals from 10 AM to 5 PM from June 15 to September 7, 2024
  • 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 Beach Access Chair from the storage shed located at Main Beach
  • Return the Beach Access Chair to the storage shed when you are done using it (no later than 5 PM) and lock the shed
  • The Beach Access Chair does not float however, it allows the user access to the beach off the mobi-mat, and can be used in very shallow water with an attendant

picture of woman using a beach access chairBeach Access Chair