Accessible Wheelchair

Through a partnership with City of Greater Geelong we are proud to be able to facilitate the use of a Mobi Chair for public use

A Mobi-Chair is a specialized, floating beach wheelchair designed for people with disabilities or limited mobility to enjoy the beach and shallow water safely. It features floatable armrests and wheels, allowing the chair to float in shallow water, and is designed to be used on sand, grass, and surfaced footpaths.

 

Who is allowed to use the chair ?

As all-round safety is our highest priority, before the chair can be used there is a quick process to go through.

  • The use of the chair has to be approved by a qualified club member to ensure the conditions are appropriate for use of the chair. This will be the Patrol Captain when patrol is on, or a club representative if outside of Patrol hours. We would love to be able to say it can be used everyday but Ocean Grove main beach conditions dictate that we undertake risk assessments each time for your safety.
  • Chair user must have a minium of two support people with them.
  • Support people must know how to use the chair. Here are some helpful videos: general use and transfering to mobi chair
  • User must wear a life jacket that fits, if entering the water

  • The users must agree to the terms and conditions via the online form, and show the Ocean Grove SLSC person that this has been completed

  • Most important step of all: have fun 🙂

If entering the water:

  • The chair will begin to float when the water level reaches halfway up the tyres. At this point, the user will notice a small tilt backwards as the chair starts to float.
  • The water level should not exceed waist height of the support people. The user should be able to feel a sense of water without loss of support.
  • If there is swell, the chair should always face the swell.

How to Book

Attend and speak to the patrol when the flags are up. They’ll ask you to complete an online form.

  • Volunteer patrol season 1-5pm Saturdays and 9am-5pm Sundays (Dec-April)
  • During peak summer period you can speak to the Lifeguards who are there 10am-6pm (Dec-Jan)

Outside of these periods hours you can speak to or contact the office admin@oceangroveslsc.asn.au to see if anything can be arranged with our volunteers.

 

 

 

Mobi Chair, accessible wheelchair at Ocean Grove SLSC

 

 

 

Can Ocean Grove SLSC patrol members help ?

Patrollers’ primary focus is on watching the beach, so we are unable to act as a support person. Additionally, we may not be qualified support workers or  aware of any medical conditions. We may assist if we have the capacity to do so.

Terms and Conditions to be agreed to before use

You will need to complete a form agreeing to usage terms and conditions. Here is a copy for reference:

 

I understand and acknowledge that the seaside environment contains inherent risks, including the risk of drowning or other injury. I wish to use the Mobi-Chair that is owned by the Greater Geelong City Council (City), on loan to the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (Ocean Grove SLSC), in order to access the Ocean Grove Main Surf Beach (Beach).  There is no fee for the use of the Mobi-Chair, but I agree that my use of the Mobi-Chair is subject to me reading, understanding and agreeing to the following terms of use.


I agree that:

  1. In using the Mobi-Chair, I do so at my own risk, whether the Beach is patrolled or not by lifeguards.
  2. I release, discharge and hold harmless the Ocean Grove SLSC, the City and their respective officers, staff, agents, representatives and volunteers (Personnel) from any cause of action relating to any injury, loss or damage that I may suffer arising out of my use of the Mobi-Chair.
  3. I indemnify, and keep indemnified, the Ocean Grove SLSC, the City and each of their respective Personnel from and against all actions, costs, claims, demands and damages which may be brought, made by or claimed against them arising directly out of or in relation to my use of the Mobi-Chair.
  4. Each of the Ocean Grove SLSC and the City:
    1. do not make any warranties or promises to me about the safety of the Mobi-Chair or its fitness for use at the Beach; and
    2. are not responsible for teaching me how to use the Mobi-Chair.
  5. I will only use the Mobi-Chair, subject to the following conditions:
    1. I will have at least two carers to assist me to access, use and exit from the Mobi-Chair, and I cannot in any circumstances enter the water at the Beach without both the carers assisting me at all times with the Mobi-Chair.
    2. I will comply with all directions given to me by the Ocean Grove SLSC or other lifeguards at the Beach.  I understand that those directions may include what part of the Beach I can use the Mobi-Chair on and for how long. 
    3. I am solely responsible for ensuring that my carers and I know how to operate the Mobi-Chair safely. I warrant to each of the City and the Ocean Grove SLSC that I, and my carers, do know how to use the Mobi-Chair correctly.
    4. If my carers or I become aware of any damage to the Mobi-Chair we will immediately return the Mobi-Chair to the delivery point and report the damage to the Ocean Grove SLSC.
    5. I will immediately report to the Ocean Grove SLSC any injury or incident relating to my use of the Mobi-Chair that has or could have caused injury, whether to me, my carers or another Beach user.
    6. If I do need urgent medical attention resulting from my use of the Mobi-Chair at the Beach, I agree that the Ocean Grove SLSC, in its sole discretion, may arrange for medical assistance, including calling an ambulance at my expense.
  6. The Ocean Grove SLSC has collected my personal information for the purposes of recording those persons who have used the Mobi-Chair, and to enable the Ocean Grove SLSC to arrange for emergency medical or other assistance if required. I understand that the Ocean Grove SLSC will share my personal information with the City for the purpose of the City obtaining feedback from me about the Mobi-Chair.

Interested In Becoming A Patrolling Member?

Have a look at our upcoming training, qualifications and skill development opportunities

FIND OUT MORE

MAKE A DONATION TO OGSLSC

Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club receives donations from locals and visitors alike, to continue to maintain a safe beach environment for swimmers, surfers and beach goers.   With these vital donations we are able to continue to offer our community services, water safety and education programs and provide facilities for our community and memberss.
Every donation you give saves countless lives.

DONATE NOW

OFFICE HOURS

MONDAY - FRIDAY

9AM - 5PM

Please note, outside of these hours the phone may be answered by volunteers, who may not be able to assist with all enquiries.

Contact US

Phone

(03) 5255 1382

Email

admin@oceangroveslsc.asn.au

Address

Street address: 26-30 Surf Beach Road, Ocean Grove VIC 3226

Postal address (for listing on Working with Children Card): PO Box 486 Ocean Grove VIC 3226