Accessible Beaches Program

Coolum Beach SLSC in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Council provides beach matting and a WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the beach.

When is the Beach Matting and Beach Wheelchair available?

This equipment is managed by the Volunteer Patrols, so is available during the summer patrolling season (September to April) on weekends and public holidays.

How to Book the Beach Wheelchair?

To book the Wheelchair you will need to complete an online form here or by scanning the above QR Code by 3pm on the last business day prior to you requiring it. This is to allow our administration team time to organise the paperwork and let the relevant Patrol Captain know about it.

If you are unable to book prior to your visit and the chair is available, the Volunteer Patrol team will ask you to sign the user agreement/form. Then the wheelchair is yours for the booked time.

User Guide and Conditions of Use

This User Guide contains information about safety, handling and beach access information for the WaterWheelsTM Beach Wheelchair, available free for hire and use at Coolum Beach and can be booked directly with the volunteer lifeguards upon arrival at the beach.

Coolum Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council are committed to ensuring the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair is kept in good working order. persons who use the wheeichair have a responsibility to ensure they take all reasonable steps to avoid an accident by operating it in a safe and careful manner.

People who use the wheelchair do so at their own risk and Coolum Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and Sunshine Coast RegionaJ Council cannot be held liable for any incident which occurs while it is in the charge of a third party.

The WaterWheelsTM Beach Wheelchair is for use only at Coolum Beach when volunteers from Coolum Beach Surf Lifesaving Club are on patrol.

It is the responsibility of the carer/support person and user to ensure they have read and understood the following Safety and Handling information before use.

Safety and Handling

1. Do not use the WaterWheels"M Beach Wheelchair during severe weather, dangerous and/or rough ocean currents and any other poor conditions.
2. Do not attempt to cross rocky/uneven surfaces while the wheelchair is occupied.
3. Do not use any of the detachable components for any purpose other than what is intended and do not use detachable components for lifting the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair.
4. Maximum weight of the intended user is 136kg.
5. Prior to use, inspect the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair for the following
1. Tyre condition: check tyre pressure and conditions of all tyres. Maximum tyre pressure: 7 psi (48.2 kpa);
2. Armrest condition: check armrests for any punctures. If armrests need to be inflated, do not exceed an armrest thickness of 17.78cm (7 inches);
3. Frame condition: check that the chair frame and all connecting rods are in great condition. Rods should not be bent or rusted.
6. The user must be buckled up in the wheelchair and escorted to the water by a carer/support person.
7. The carer/support person must remain with the user in the wheelchair at all times.
8. User should wear a lifejacket while in the water.
9. The carer/support person (since these wheelchairs are not self-propelJed) needs to gauge for themselves the ease with which they can push their charge from the starting point to the firm sand and water.
10. It will always be advisable for two people to assist with the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair if the person using the chair is over 60kg.
11. The WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair seat has three positions; one to transition the user and two reclining positions. These are adjusted by pulling a chain on the back for use and floating.
12. Extreme caution is recommended when taking the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair into the water and not venturing out any further than axle depth.
13. The carer must check with the volunteer lifesavers on duty on the beach to see if it is safe to enter the water. If conditions are not safe then the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair should only be used at the water's edge within the flagged area.

Care

1. The WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair is specifically designed for use on sand and soft soil. To prevent damage its use on paved footpaths, roads and other hard surfaces should be minimal.
2. After use the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair and life jackets must be returned to the area where it was first obtained, at least in the same condition as when they were collected. If any item (eg. Pin, buckle or protective covering) is missing or defective, this should be noted when returning the equipment. Users will be liabie for any damage or loss of the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair or life jackets, or any components thereof.
3. Please ensure the WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair is washed thoroughly after use to prevent damage from sand, dirt and salt and as a courtesy to the next user. This can be done at the beach showers.

Remember

1. Be aware: due to winds and tidal variations, beach suitability may vary from day to day. Check on beach conditions with the lifesaver on duty.
2. Always swim/enter the water between the red and yellow flags.
3. Bookings are preferred but not essential. Loan of the wheelchair should be arranged with Coolum Beach Surf Lifesaving club in advance.
4. Please ensure you have advised the volunteer lifesaver that you have returned the wheelchair to the collecUon point.