Greece Adapts Hundreds Of Beaches To Wheelchairs So Everyone Has A Splash
Walks on the beach and dips in the sea are some of the luxuries people look forward to when they’re on vacation, and even hospitals recommend them for pain and stress relief. However, these comforts aren’t normally attainable for people with limited mobility, a community who might need them even more.
The good news is Greece is dipping its toe into making the beach fully enjoyable for all. The nation has splashed €15 million (US$16.5 million), with backing by the European Union, into bringing wheelchair accessibility to 287 beaches. To date, 147 of them have undergone the revamp to allow unassisted sea access.
The government has adopted ‘Seatrac’, a Greek-designed fixed track mechanism that empowers users with physical disabilities to swim in the ocean.
To use the Seatrac system, wheelchair users first roll up to the side of the facility’s chair and adjust its height to that of their mobility equipment. From there, they can shift their bodies onto the Seatrac chair.
A press of a button on the provided remote control moves the sitter down to the shore.
Then, holding the handrails at the foot of the track, users can slide into the sea and begin swimming.
The free-to-use service could also be beneficial for elderly visitors, pregnant women, and beachgoers with temporary injuries, says Seatrac. Not only that, but it’s also friendly to the environment, as it is powered by renewable energy and doesn’t permanently alter the natural landscape.
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Greek officials are also installing other inclusive amenities like wheelchair-friendly parking spaces, bathrooms and changing rooms, refreshment bars, and ramps for sun loungers in the nearly 300 beaches, according to Greek Reporter.
During a press conference this month, tourism minister Vassilis Kikilias called equal access to the sea “an inalienable human right.”
The board added that the physical and mental health of users with limited mobility would be uplifted now that they’re regaining their ability to swim in the ocean again, which would ultimately enhance the quality of life for all.
Further, the government foresees that the new infrastructure will help boost its economy and transform it into an accessible sea destination.
It certainly is a win-win solution for all, and the idea will likely pan out swimmingly in the long run.
[via Greek Reporter and The Greek Herald, images via Seatrac]
