Freedom Leisure Littlehampton Wave Ticket Portal

Arun District Council – Beach Wheelchair Disclaimer (Littlehampton)

Important – Please Read Before Use

Arun District Council and Freedom Leisure are committed to improving accessibility to Littlehampton Beach through the provision of a beach wheelchair hire service.

Littlehampton beach is a natural environment which is subject to changing weather, tidal and ground conditions. Whilst reasonable steps are taken to manage risks, users and their assisting adults must recognise that inherent risks remain and cannot be eliminated.

By hiring and using the beach wheelchair, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to the following conditions.

1. User Responsibility

· You are responsible for the safe use of the beach wheelchair throughout the hire period.

You confirm that:

· The wheelchair is suitable for your requirements.

· The user does not exceed the manufacturer's maximum user weight limit of 120kg (265lbs).

· You will follow all instructions and guidance provided by Freedom Leisure staff.

2. Assistance and Supervision

The beach wheelchair must be always accompanied by a minimum of two competent assisting adults whilst in use.

Assisting adults are responsible for:

· Maintaining physical control of the wheelchair.

· Assessing ground conditions before proceeding.

· Providing appropriate support to the wheelchair user.

· Remaining with the wheelchair user throughout the hire period.

Freedom Leisure and Arun District Council staff do not accompany users on the beach and do not provide ongoing physical assistance during the hire period

3. Operating conditions

· The beach wheelchair hire scheme operates as a land-based service

· Use on the beach sand only and up to 15cm of water.

· The period commencing two hours before high tide and ending two hours after high tide. Tide times will be displayed outside the beach office which is located next to the coastguards building in Littlehampton. They are also available in advance via this link: Tides for Littlehampton, South of England - BBC Weather

Freedom Leisure reserves the right to refuse, suspend or terminate hire where weather, tidal, beach or operating conditions are considered unsuitable, or where the conditions of hire are not being followed

4. Beach and Environmental Hazards

You acknowledge that Littlehampton beach may include:

· Soft sand and uneven ground.

· Shingle banks and changing gradients.

· Areas of flint or unstable terrain.

· Changing weather conditions.

· Tidal movement and areas affected by rip currents.

· Conditions that may cause the wheelchair to become difficult to manoeuvre or temporarily stuck.

You accept that these conditions may increase the physical effort required to move the wheelchair and may require a change of route or a return to a safer area.

5. Equipment Use

You agree to:

· Ensure the seatbelt is fitted and adjusted correctly before use.

· Always maintain safe control of the wheelchair

· Use the wheelchair only in accordance with the safety briefing.

· Stop using the wheelchair if conditions become unsafe.

· Report any faults, damage, incidents or near misses as soon as reasonably practicable.

6. Emergency Procedures

Users and assisting adults must have access to a charged mobile phone throughout the hire period.

In the event of an emergency:

· Move to a safe location where possible.

· Call 999 and request the Coastguard if assistance is required on the beach or foreshore.

· Follow any instructions provided by the emergency service

7. Liability

Nothing in this agreement excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury arising from negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded.

This agreement is intended to ensure that users and assisting adults understand the nature of the activity, the operating conditions of the hire scheme and their responsibilities whilst using the equipment.