Terms & Conditions:

Chair Use

  • Entering Water: Two adults must assist when entering the water.
  • Harness: Securely fasten the user in the harness for stability. Adjust the harness length for a proper fit.
  • Backrest: Adjust the backrest angle by pulling the looped chain behind the chair.
  • Floating: The wheelchair will float when the water reaches halfway up the balloon tires, causing a slight backward tilt.
  • Water Level: Use the wheelchair in shallow water with two adults assisting. Water should not exceed the adults' waist height.
  • Parking: Always park the wheelchair on a level surface.
  • Steep Gradients: Avoid steep gradients unless two adults assist. One should pull the chair using the front tow strap, and the other should push from behind.
  • Heavy Items: Do not place heavy items on the back of the wheelchair.
  • Communication: Keep the user informed about your actions (e.g., turning, entering water, crossing roads).
  • Prohibited Propulsion: Do not tow the wheelchair with a motor vehicle, kite, or other means. Only push or pull it with two adults.
  • Liability: The Shire of Esperance is not responsible for any damages, losses, claims, or liabilities related to the wheelchair use. The user/hirer releases the Shire from any such claims, except in cases of negligence.

Chair Safety

The hirer must:

  • Weather Check: Check weather, tides, and waves before use.
  • PFD: Ensure the user wears a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in the water at all times.
  • Supervision: Never leave the user unattended in the wheelchair on land or water.
  • Harness: Ensure the user is securely fastened in the harness.
  • Support Adults: Ensure two competent adult swimmers are present to assist and respond to emergencies.

The wheelchair is:

  • Usage: For people with restricted beach and water access (up to 150kg).
  • Terrain: Suitable for hard or soft sand, grass, surfaced footpaths, and shallow water.
  • Water Level: Designed for shallow water with two adults assisting. Water should not exceed the adults' waist height.
  • Stabilisation: Stabilized by two adults when the user is seated.
  • Restrictions: Not for use in currents, strong waves, or deep water.

Hirer Responsibilities

 The hirer is responsible for:

  • Return: Returning the wheelchair and PFD on time, clean, and tidy.
  • Damages: Any damages, losses, claims, or liabilities related to the wheelchair use.
  • Conditions Check: Assessing beach, wave, wind, weather, and heat conditions before use. A support adult should check water conditions (e.g., tides, depth, waves) for safety.
  • PFD: Ensuring the user wears a PFD at all times.
  • Supervision: Ensuring support adults watch the user and propel the wheelchair on land and in water.
  • Awareness: Being aware that beach conditions can change rapidly.
  • Signage: Noting signs indicating drop-offs into deep water.