Sea Ramps for People with Mobility Limitations in Greece

The beaches of Greece are one of its top attractions and magic sights for all to see and experience. That is why attempts for the inclusivity of wheelchair users have been a hot topic in the last few years. Since the early 2020s, two main assistance mechanisms for people with reduced mobility have been developed for that specific purpose.

Over the years, there has been a significant effort to allow wheelchair users and people with mobility limitations easier access to the country’s beautiful beaches. The development of the Seatrac and the SeaAccess ramps is substantial progress in the right direction. These ramps have been patented worldwide and allow users to enter the sea in a seated position effortlessly.

SEATRAC

SEATRAC (by TOBEA) is another mechanism that allows people with mobility issues to enter the waters without trouble. It is permanently installed on multiple Greek beaches and is remotely controlled. SEATRAC is usually installed in the summer, as it works on solar power and most visitors would go to the beach then. Users are provided a remote control from a nearby location or can acquire their personalized remote. After they shift from their chair to the device, they can enter the beach using the remote. All in all, it guarantees independent access to disabled people, elders, pregnant women, and overall anyone with limited mobility, as an operator is not needed to place it and remove it.

The mechanism is installed on over 250 beaches, with its creators always looking to expand their network. The patent was created in 2012 and has been used by more than 400.000 disabled people since then. In fact, its social impact has been so great, that major international networks like Washington Post and Euronews have covered the subject!

Some popular location where bathers will find a SEATRAC mechanism are:
• Perissa Beach in Santorini
• Kalafatis Beach in Mykonos
• Agia Anna Beach in Naxos
• Paleokastritsa Beach in Corfu
• Koukounaries Beach in Skiathos

A SEATRAC mechanism on a pebbly beach in Greece. Source: SEATRAC

SeaAccess

SeaAccess is a mechanism created in 2020 with a built-in folded ramp, two motors, and special balloon wheels that allow an easy traversal through sand and pebbles. This mechanism has been distributed to a number of Greek beaches and it can be installed near the sea and retracted in a matter of minutes while occupying a small section of the beach. The device allows wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility to move from the wheelchair to the SeaAccess and then get into the sea seamlessly.

SeaAccess has been installed on various beaches across the country. Some of these include Golden Beach in Paros and Provatas Beach in Milos.

A SeaAccess mechanism on Elafonisi Beach, Crete. Source: SeaAccess Official Facebook Page

Both of these innovative mechanisms show an ever-growing effort and willingness for inclusion, as well as a stop to the prejudice and stigma of wheelchair users. The mechanisms are easy to use, understand, and track down!

For further information on these two mechanisms, you can visit their official websites:
SEATRAC: www.seatrac.gr
SeaAccess: www.sea-access.gr