For Belmont’s Tracey Blair, getting into the water makes her feel free.
The Australian wheelchair sports representative, and other people with disability, can now access an amphibious device at Belmont Baths that aims to provide freedom of movement in open water.
The $4,400 three-wheeled Mobi-chair – the first of its kind in Lake Macquarie – will be stored in the baths’ new amenity building, with visitors simply required to hose it down after use.
A harness and flotation devices attached to the chair mean users gently recline and gradually begin to float as they enter the water.
“It’s great that something like this is available for people in a wheelchair,” Ms Blair says.
“It adds to their inclusion in the community and improves their quality of life.”
Lake Macquarie City Council’s Manager of Community Partnerships, Andrew Bryant, says its Disability Inclusion Action Plan identified the need to improve beach and waterway access for all abilities.
“This new chair goes some way towards addressing that need,” he says.
“It’s an ideal piece of equipment for the baths access ramp, which opened last year as part of a wider upgrade to the site.
“Council recommends two carers should be on hand at all times to assist and supervise while the chair is in use.
“Safety is, of course, our number one priority and, with the baths unpatrolled, we want to ensure the Mobi-chair is used correctly.”
The device will be accessible to anyone with a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK), which is provided by the council to people with disability.
Signage in the chair’s storage shed provides detailed instructions outlining its use in and out of the water.
The council is currently offering eligible residents the opportunity to obtain their own MLAK free of charge for a limited time.
Visit lm.city/MLAK or call 4921 0333 for more information.
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