Beach wheelchair booking form (Alexandra Headland SLSC)

This user guide contains information about safety, handling and beach access information for the Water Wheels beach wheelchair, available free for hire and use at Alex Beach and must be pre-booked through Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club (Alex SLSC) administration office.

Alex SLSC is committed to ensuring the Water Wheels beach wheelchair is kept in good working order. Persons who use the wheelchair have a responsibility to ensure they take all reasonable steps to avoid an accident by operating it in a safe and careful manner.

People who use the wheelchair do so at their own risk and Alex SLSC and the Sunshine Coast Council cannot be held liable for any incident which occurs while it is in the charge of a third party.

The Water Wheels beach wheelchair is for use only at Alex Beach, Alex SLSC area when the beach is patrolled.

It is the responsibility of the carer/user to ensure they have read and understood the following safety and handling information before use.

For further information, please contact Alex SLSC administration office on 07 5456 7804.

1. Do not use the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair during severe weather, dangerous and/or rough ocean currents and any other poor conditions
2. Do not attempt to cross rocky/uneven surfaces while the wheelchair is occupied
3. Do not use any of the detachable components for any purpose other than what is intended and do not use detachable components for lifting the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair
4. Prior to use, inspect the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair for the following:
   • tyre condition: check tyre pressure and conditions of all tyres. Maximum tyre pressure: 7 psi (48.2 kpa)
   • armrest condition: check armrests for any punctures. If armrests need to be inflated, do not exceed an armrest thickness of 17.78cm (7 inches)
   • frame condition: check that the chair frame and all connecting rods are in great condition. Rods should not be best or rusted.
5. The maximum weight of the intended user is 136kg
6. Do not leave any person unattended or left alone in the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair
7. User should wear a lifejacket while in the water
8. The user must be buckled up in the wheelchair and escorted to the water by a carer/support person
9. If you are in doubt do not attempt to go into the water
10. The carer (since these chairs are not self-propelled) needs to gauge for themselves the ease with which they can push their charge (the chairee) on the grassed area before tackling the sand
11. It will always be advisable for there to be two people to help with the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair if the person in the chair is over 60-70 kg, unless the pusher is at least equal to the chairee's weight and has good strength
12. If there is a major mismatch eg. a 60-year-old 40kg mum/dad trying to manage a 30-year-old 50kg son/daughter – the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair can only be taken onto the grassed area, if at all. It must be pointed out, the carer (on their own) will often need help getting down onto and leaving the beach. Staff of Alexandra Beach SLSC or other personnel cannot be expected to provide this help on demand
13. The WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair seat has three positions; one to transition the user and two reclining positions. These are adjusted by pulling a chain on the back for use and floating
14. Extreme caution is recommended when taking the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair into the water, not venturing any further than axle depth into the water
15. The carer must check with the volunteer lifesavers or a lifeguard on duty on the beach to see if it is safe to go near the water. In this situation, the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair can be used on the water's edge within the flagged area of the patrol but no deeper than ankle depth
16. If the dry sand seems particularly soft to negotiate, instead of pushing (rear wheel drive), turn the WaterWheels™ beach wheelchair around and pull (front wheel drive) the chair - you'll find it a lot easier in this situation.

1.  The WaterWheels™ Beach Wheelchair is specifically designed for use on sand and soft soil. To prevent damage its use on paved footpaths, roads and other hard surfaces should be minimal.
2. After use the WaterWheels™ Beach Wheelchair must be returned to the area where it was first obtained, at least in the same condition as when it was loaned out. If any item (eg pin, buckle or protective cover) is missing or defective, this should be indicated on the sign-on sheet when signing the wheelchair out. Users will be liable for any damage or loss of the WaterWheels™ Beach Wheelchair or life jackets, or any components thereof.
3. Please ensure the WaterWheels™ Beach Wheelchair is washed thoroughly after each use to prevent damage from sand and salt, and as a courtesy to the next user.
4. A beach shower is located at the top of ramp - Beach Entry Points 159 and 160.
5. A hose is available at the top of ramp - Beach Entry Point 159 - immediately in front of Alex SLSC club house.

1. Be aware. Due to wind and tidal variations, beach suitability may vary from one day to the next.
2. Always swim/enter the water between the red and yellow flags.
3. Please ensure you have advised the admin office, patrol captain or lifeguard that you have returned the chair to the storage facility.