Our Service Is Provided, Free of Charge, by Volunteers

• Our volunteers are not trained, qualified, or insured to provide moving and handling support.
• Our volunteers cannot push chairs, assist with physical transfers, or operate our hoist for users. 
• Responsibility for manoeuvring or transferring into/out of the chair, including operation of our hoist, rests entirely with the user’s carer, companion, or appointed support person.

Using Our Chairs

• Beach wheelchairs are designed for use on sand and can also be taken for a paddle in shallow seawater.
• Chairs may still be difficult to push, especially on soft or uneven ground.
• A physically capable person will be required to push the chair(s).
• Our chairs must not be taken away from the beach.

Suitability of Our Chairs, Hoist, and Other Equipment

• We have various types of beach wheelchair, plus a beach walker available.
• Full details and manufacturers’ specifications of each available chair are shown on the page of the hub you are looking to book at. 
• You can find the full manufacturer details about how to operate our hoist at Ingoldmells here and at Chapel Point here.
• Please note: we are volunteers, not medical or clinical professionals. We cannot assess an individual’s physical needs or decide whether a chair, hoist, transfer aid, or any support straps/inserts are suitable.
• It is the responsibility of the user or their carer to decide whether any of the equipment (including wheelchairs, the hoist, transfer aids, straps, or inserts) meets their needs and can be used safely.
• Volunteers can explain the equipment’s features and demonstrate how it works, but they cannot make suitability judgments.
• If you need further information, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

Booking a Beach Wheelchair

To book a chair, simply fill in our booking form here. If we can accommodate your request, we will contact you by the email address you give on this form

• You will then be asked for a £10 deposit to secure your booking. Don’t worry — this will be refunded after your visit as long as:
  • If you need to cancel you let us know by 5pm the day before, and
  • You’re not more than 30 minutes late collecting or returning the chair.
• We’ll also be asked to upload photo ID of the person taking full responsibility for the booking. A photocard driving licence is perfect, but a passport with a proof of address (like a utility bill) is also fine

On the Day of Your Booking

• Please bring your ID with you on the day
• When you collect the chair, you’ll agree a return time (no later than 4pm).
• Volunteers may not always remain at the hut while you’re on the beach. If needed, you’ll be given a phone number to arrange an earlier return — please note it may take a little while for a volunteer to get back to you.
• If this could cause you difficulties, let us know at the time of booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Your Own Equipment

• You may store your own wheelchair, mobility scooter, or equipment in the Beach Ability hut if necessary.
• This is done at your own risk, as our insurance does not cover personal property.
• The hut will be securely locked when no volunteer is on duty

Finally, you will be asked to agree to and sign the following Service Use Agreement when you book a beach wheelchair with us and when you collect it on the day, so please take the time to read and understand this information.

• Transfers and Hoist Use
  I acknowledge that Beach Ability, Lincolnshire is not responsible or liable for any aspect of transferring between chairs, including the setup, use, or operation of hoisting or transferring equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, assessing the suitability of the hoist for a user, checking sling compatibility, or supervising any part of the transfer process.
• Suitability of Equipment
  I acknowledge that Beach Ability, Lincolnshire does not accept responsibility or liability for determining whether a beach wheelchair, hoist, or any related equipment is suitable for a specific user. Volunteers are not medically or professionally qualified to make such assessments.
• Moving the Wheelchair
  I acknowledge that Beach Ability, Lincolnshire accepts no responsibility or liability for assisting with moving the wheelchair onto or off the beach. Responsibility for manoeuvring the chair rests entirely with the user’s carer, companion, or appointed support person.
• Accidents and Injuries
  I acknowledge that Beach Ability, Lincolnshire accepts no responsibility or liability for any accident, injury, or harm sustained by the person using or pushing the wheelchair, or by any third party during its use. I accept full responsibility for ensuring the safety of the user, the person pushing the chair, and those around us at all times.
• Your Responsibility for the Chair                                                                                                                               
• The hirer (the person providing identification) is responsible for the chair’s proper use. Any damage, misuse, or extra cleaning required due to negligence will be charged to the hirer. (Normal use involving sand and seawater is expected and not considered damage). An invoice will be issued, and payment must be made within 7 days so the chair can be made available for others

Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to read this information and we look forward to seeing you soon.