Photo Via Town of Goderich website Goderich.ca https://www.goderich.ca/recreation-culture/beaches-and-waterfront/beach-wheelchair-and-waterwheels/
Goderich is making it easier for everyone to enjoy the beach and get into the water this summer.
The Town offers a floating wheelchair and a beach-accessible wheelchair at the main beach. Mayor Trevor Bazinet says accessibility is very important to the community.
Bazinet says the floating chair gives people who may not normally be able to get into the water the chance to enjoy swimming and being on Lake Huron.
He told myFM how the chairs came to be.
The chairs are free to use, but they must be reserved ahead of time. In 2025, the floating wheelchair was booked 18 times between June 1st and September 30th. So far this year, there have been eight bookings.
Bazinet says the town would like to see the chairs used more often and encourages people to spread the word about the service.
Reservations can be made online through the Town of Goderich tourism website or by calling the tourism office at 519-524-6600.
People using the floating wheelchair must also have someone with them in the water for safety.
Bazinet says the program has received attention outside of Goderich, with other communities contacting the town to learn more about offering similar accessible beach options.
The town says the goal is simple: to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beach and Lake Huron.
