New beach wheelchair opens up access to Omaha

Enjoying the sea air, sand and surf is now easier for more people, thanks to the donation of a beach wheelchair to Omaha Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

Former lifeguard Judith Herbert, who lives on Omaha Flats Road and has restricted mobility herself, donated the wide-wheeled Sandcruiser chair, which is available daily with just a phone call to one of the club’s two “chair custodians”.

Herbert decided to gift the chair following a family visit to Omaha Beach during Christmas 2021, when hitching a ride on the surf club’s ATV was the only way for her to easily access the sand.

Club president Linda Crisford said the new chair was a fantastic asset for the community and visitors to the beach, and said everyone was incredibly grateful to Herbert for such a generous gesture.

“What a wonderful gift, which now enables anyone with difficulties getting onto the beach the opportunity to do so,” she said. The chair from Beachwheels NZ can go into the sea or be used for walks along the sand. It has multiple seating positions and adjustable arm and leg rests, can carry up to 120kg and can easily be wheeled over sand, pebbles or even rocks. The upholstery is mould, rot and salt water-resistant and all metal parts are made of marine-grade stainless steel.

The chair has already been used by a number of local residents and holidaymakers who normally struggle to get onto the beach