[Chris G Veitch]

It’s this time of year that we think more about beaches as many rush to sea for holidays and breaks, but it is really important that as far as possible they can be enjoyed by everyone all year round. There is a growing awareness to make beaches more inclusive through improved accessibility, but this can be to varying degrees. Some examples of other beaches and what they offer can be found at:

http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/AttractionsLeisure/BeachesandWaterfront/AccessibleSeafront.aspx

http://www.euansguide.com/news/britains-best-beaches-with-disabled-access/

http://www.barcelona.cat/en/what-to-do-in-bcn/bathing-and-beaches/accessibility

An interesting case study is:

Hérault’s 90 kilometers coastline plays a crucial role in its tourism market. About 200 accessible tourist areas have been identified, while over 70 have been certified by the label “Tourisme & Handicap”.

A full case study of Herault can be found at:

http://www.accessibletourism.org/?i=enat.en.reports.1739

http://www.accessibletourism.org/resources/case-study-13-ec-herault-france.pdf

In England some beach destinations also provide Access Statements, providing information which describes the offer and to help decision making, an example of this is:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjPnsuQ1LLxAhVSoVwKHapcA5kQFjAEegQIBRAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visit-dorset.com%2Fdownloads%2Fdmsimgs%2FWeymouth_Beach_Access_Statement_632293933.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1j3dCfPBUPanlywzzo52R2