Have you got a member of your family or a friend that has never been to the beach for fear of a disability impeding access?
That has to be just wrong doesn’t it? Everyone has a right to experience the joys of beach life and Paddle Round The Pier supported by Brighton & Hove Bus Company are doing something about that.
Since 2010 Paddle have hosted the Access Beach at Brighton’s summer charity festival. Children and young adults are able to be supported by volunteers and lifeguards to enable them to participate in the sea activities in a safe controlled environment.
Paddle Round The Pier facilitate disability groups as diverse as kids with Cerebral Palsy, Downs-Syndrome, visually and hearing impaired kids and those afflicted with Chromosome Deficiency – allowing kids, young people and their carers, who often have not even been on the beach before- access to the sea.
Paddle voluntary staff work to a ratio of 3-1 to enable each child the support they need. The event provides wetsuits/life jackets for all the kids and their families and even have neoprene blankets for those unable to put on a wetsuit.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s seafront team have balloon-wheeled wheelchairs specifically designed for the beach which are lent to the event for this particular weekend.
The chairs can always be hired by individuals at any time by contacting the seafront office on 01273 292715.
The top of the pebble beach itself is decked by the Paddle crew to make it easier to transit and provide changing and WC facilities specific for the Access Beach visitors.
Martin Harris of Brighton & Hove Bus Company, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Access Beach for the third year running as we’re keen for everyone in the whole city to be able to get involved in the fun and activities of this great beach festival”.
Those participating are able to experience surfing, kayaking, SUP, dingy sailing and motorised boat rides (as they wish), however many are content to simply experience the power of the waves.
Access Beach Coordinator Debbie Buddel, added: “The amazing thing is that most of these kids and their families have never even been on a beach before let alone gone into the sea! To see the look of shared joy between them is such a reward for both myself and all the volunteers.”
“The idea for the Access Beach came about after charity Whoopsadaisy was chosen to be a beneficiary of the event in 2010. The Paddle Crew thought that it wasn’t satisfying enough to just give the charity a cheque at the end of the day. We wanted to get the children the charity supported more involved and allow them to experience something new and be fully immersed in the event” said Paddle Director Dave Samuel.
Paddle Round The Pier Beach Festival are looking for more individuals and groups to take part in the Access Beach for 2016 and want to hear from you.
If you are a family member, carer, leader of a group that could benefit from this experience email:
Final word goes to organiser Dave but is echoed by all involved in the event; Paddle is a great event on so many levels as there is something for everyone but the Access Beach is probably one of the most personally rewarding things we do. I challenge anyone to see it in action and not walk away with a big smile on their face!
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