Beach wheelchairs

Below, you'll find a list of the many DCR coastal and inland beaches that offer beach wheelchairs for use. 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. It is best to call in advance to make a reservation to use a chair, especially at coastal beaches. Beach wheelchairs are managed by lifeguards–if there are no lifeguards on duty, chairs may not be available for use. Please contact the beach or the park before your visit to ask about a reservation.

There are two types of beach wheelchairs at DCR beaches. Sand and sunbathing beach wheelchairs are made of PVC pipe. These chairs offer a seat belt, a footrest, a beach umbrella holder, and a movable arm for transfer. This style of chair can’t enter the water.

Floating beach wheelchairs let you move across the beach and into the water. They feature a reclined position, a harness for travel across the beach, and floating armrests.

Floating chairs are subject to weather and water conditions for use in the water. You will need to wear a Coast Guard-certified personal flotation device (PFD) while you are floating. A life jacket is a type of personal flotation device. You will need to bring your own life jacket or PFD with you. You will also need close assistance and supervision from an able bodied user while you are in the water.