Beach wheelchairs

Here you'll find a list of the many DCR coastal and inland beaches that have beach wheelchairs. You will also see a few parks that have the chairs for use on trails, and pools or spray decks that have chairs for use in the water. There is no cost to use a beach wheelchair, but please be sure to bring your own transfer help. Because these chairs have large balloon tires, you will also need to bring someone to push you. The weight limit for beach wheelchairs is 275 pounds. The weight limit for floating beach wheelchairs is 300 pounds. You have to be under this weight limit to use a beach wheelchair.

Beach wheelchairs can only be used where the ground is flat and even, and where there are no sharp rocks or other sharp objects. Some beaches have large piles of cobblestones that are pushed up by the tide into and that can't be moved because of environmental regulations. Beach wheelchairs can't be used to go over steep piles of cobblestones.

Beach wheelchairs on beaches are managed by lifeguards. If there are no lifeguards on duty, you might not be able to use a chair. Sometimes a lifeguard might tell you that the conditions at the beach are unsafe to use a beach wheelchair, for example if there is a storm, or if the beach is covered in steep piles of rocks. Please respect and follow the decisions and directions of lifeguards and park staff while using the chairs.

You should be sure to call the beach or the park before you visit to find out more.

There are two types of beach wheelchairs at DCR beaches. Sand and sunbathing beach wheelchairs are made of PVC pipe. These chairs have a seat belt, a footrest, a beach umbrella holder, and a movable arm for transfer. This style of chair can go across the sand but it can’t go into the water, because the wheels will float and the chair will tip over. If you want to go into the water, you will need to use a floating beach wheelchair.

Floating beach wheelchairs let you move across the beach and go into the water. These chairs let you lie back with your feet out in front of you, and the chair back is high enough to support your head. They have a chest harness that you should buckle on when you are moving across the beach, a handle in the back so you can be pushed, and a lead in the front to help pull the chair. The bright orange plastic floats under the armrests let the chair float in the water.

Floating chairs can only go into the water in good weather and water conditions. The lifeguards at a beach will let you know if you can take the chair into the water. You will need to wear a Coast Guard-certified personal flotation device while you are floating. A life jacket is a common type of personal flotation device. You will need to bring your own life jacket or personal flotation device with you. You will also need  to have an able bodies person with you who can stay close and give you help and supervision while you are in the water.