PART of living in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire is attending the region’s beaches, and the Council is now ensuring those of all ages and abilities can do so.
The local government’s Ocean Beach Wheelchair Program is helping those no longer able to swim under their own power to take a dip in the water.
According to the local newspaper, the Council currently offers two beach wheelchairs for use in shallow water, one electric wheelchair for use on the sand and a recently donated Mobi chair, which is able to float in water.
The Council has also rolled out a Mobi mat, which can be rolled out over the top of soft sand to ensure everyone can get to the water’s edge and to assist people who use a wheelchair, or who have difficulty walking.
One of the first to test out the new program was 97-year-old Edna Petfield – bravo, Edna!