Beachgoers with mobility problems will be able to swim in the Mediterranean this summer without having to worry about crossing the sand. Starting in May, more than 200 chairs will be installed on beaches in Cyprus and some neighbouring countries, including Italy and Greece, to facilitate vacationers’ access to the sea.
At each location, a wooden walkway leads to a solar-powered chair that stands on a single track. Vacationers with mobility problems get into the chair and “ride” into the water using a remote control available on the beach or delivered to their hotel in advance. Once in the sea, they can lift themselves out of the seat to swim, only to return to the docking station in the seat.
With the chair, the beachgoers bypass the sand, which can be an obstacle for people who use a wheelchair, cane or walker, or who have difficulty walking. In addition, the system allows them to enjoy the sea independently, since no additional hands are required.