Days Out: Beaches
This resource is part of the ‘Days Out’ series and has useful information for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) or cauda equina syndrome (CES) about planning a day out at the beach.
Enjoying days out with family and friends is important for returning to activity and enhancing wellbeing. Preparation is key to confidence when planning a visit and we have prepared a checklist to help you. Whilst there may be unexpected issues, there are many things you can do to prepare for your visit.
Planning your day out: the checklist!
Where do you want to go? … think about:
- How accessible the location will be?
- If the location is right for your level of mobility?
- The weather (and consider alternative options in case of changes to the weather)
- Tide times?
- How you will get there? (starting close to home or somewhere you know, can be good to build your confidence)
TIP! … Visiting a location or an attraction close to your home, or in a familiar area can be good to build confidence before planning more complex visits.
Your personal and care needs
- Medication and personal care items like catheters (take extra in case of delays)
- Medical aids
- If you are travelling by car, it can be helpful to leave a bag of essential items and a change of clothes, in your car.
Your mobility equipment needs
- The equipment you need to travel there.
- The equipment you need to access the beach.
Many locations have information available on their websites regarding:
- Parking.
- Drop off areas.
- Access.
- Equipment to hire.
- > Toilets /changing facilities.
Booking the attraction
The beach or seaside will often be the main attraction. Who doesn’t love to be “beside the sea”? It is worth exploring the attractions and facilities close to the beach, this is so that you have alternative options in case of a change in the weather.
- Many venues will ask that you book online and there may be an option to add details about your requirements.
- There may be times / days which are quieter, and this might allow for better access.
- Websites often show facilities so that you can understand what is available.
REMEMBER! … Always ask for assistance if you need it, and make sure you get the right support to allow you to go where you want to go safely.
There are a number of specialist companies who can work with you to provide equipment for your visit:
