The government of Gibraltar presented accessible beaches

The government of Gibraltar presented accessible beaches

 

Image: Gibraltar view from the height

 

The Ministry of Equality of Gibraltar informed the public of the different accessibility facilities available at the beaches for people with access needs.  Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The beach improvements have been introduced here since 2012. 

 

“Many people, who once were unable to enjoy the traditional family summer day out at the beach are now able to do so thanks to these improvements, - the Ministry says in the statement. - This means that not only will people with mobility impairments be able to enjoy a swim at the beach, but also their families will have the peace of mind that their family member will be included in the fun”.


The government considers, that the accessible tourism infrastructure makes Gibraltar more attractive as a travel destination.  For example, Enable Holidays, an award-winning disabled holiday specialist, has featured Gibraltar as one of its listed accessible destinations. 

Total access from the road to the beach is provided by ramps, as well as “mobi-mats” (synthetic walkways specially designed for the transit of amphibious chairs on the beach). These ramps and “mobi-mats” can be found at Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay and Western Beach. At Camp Bay, an accessible ramp leads to the shore and another ramp and wider steps are also available at the main swimming pool. Pergolas provide a covered and comfortable area for the individual’s transition from a wheelchair to the amphibious chair.

 

Image: Accessible route at the Eastern beach, Gibraltar
Accessible route at the Eastern Beach, Gibraltar (Source)


Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach, Camp Bay, the Bathing Pavilion and Western Beach offer Accessible Toilets whilst Eastern Beach, Camp Bay and the Bathing Pavilion offer Changing Places Toilets.  Changing Places Toilets offer the same facilities as Accessible Toilets, but also provide extra equipment in the form of overhead hoist systems, height-adjustable benches and extra space in the room. The beaches also provide Beach Attendants who are there to provide assistance to those people with mobility impairments who wish to use the equipment. They, together with Lifeguards and Toilet Attendants, received Disability Language and Etiquette Training last year from an Equality Officer from the Ministry of Equality.

 

Image: mobi-mat at the Catalan Bay beach
Catalan Bay beach


The new Europa Pool will also be improved to make it accessible to people with disabilities.  Beaches Section staff will monitor the beaches to ensure that the facilities are in good order and they ask that any concerns are immediately reported.

 

Image: Amphibious Equipment at Camp Bay
Amphibious Equipment at Camp Bay (Source)


Minister for Equality, the Hon. Samantha Sacramento, MP, said: “The wide-ranging accessible facilities available at Gibraltar’s beaches mean that Gibraltar is at the forefront of beach accessibility and they give the user with mobility impairments different options to attend a variety of beaches. I am very happy that these improvements have made Gibraltar even more inclusive and especially happy that the Gibraltar beach experience has been extended to all Gibraltarians. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making the accessible beaches project a reality.”

 

Image: accessible swimming pool at the beach
Accessible swimming pool (Source)

 

The Minister for the Environment, the Hon. John Cortes, MP, said: “Our beaches are for everyone to enjoy. These measures will ensure that this continues to happen as has been the case since we made the changes in 2012. Summer is very special in Gibraltar and we are committed that it continues to be special for all.”