Beach Access Survey headline data
Of the 1071 respondents from people with medical/mental health conditions and disabilities
- 95% like visiting the beach
- 85% wanted to get to the waters edge or in the water
- 97% would like the visit the beach more frequently
- 92% said they would visit the beach / blue space if facilities were more accessible
It is Official the Beach Access Survey Report is being launched in the House of Commons on 18th May
To every one of the 1071 respondents to the Beach Access Survey last year, your voices are going to be heard.
The 40 page report will provide detailed evidence that demonstrates the need to reimagine beach and blue space across the Uk for people with medical/ mental health conditions and disabilities.
The vision for Beach Access in the UK
Courtesy of Bournemouth University media students
Podcast with Dorset View all about the beach access project and inclusive paddleboarding.
A huge thanks to the team at @Dorset_View who gave me the chance to talk about beach / blue space project
They celebrate amazing local Dorset stories www.dorsetview.co.uk
The Challenge
The UK has over 1,500 beaches stretching along 31,000 km of coastline, yet only a handful are accessible. Unlike buildings and green spaces, there are no standards or a national framework meaning the majority of beaches are not open to all.
Many are difficult to access due to:
- Lack of access to beach wheelchairs, pathways, matting or boardwalks onto and over the beach.
- limited availability to beach platforms
- Barriers to participation in beach activities (relaxing by the sea, paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing with adaptive equipment and support)
- Inadequate accessible facilities (e.g., changing spaces, toilets, parking)
- Limited information about which beaches are suitable for people with mobility challenges
