Making beaches more accessible: What helps or makes it harder for older people and people with disability to access the beach?
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First published online 26 April 2023.
Why this study was done
Beaches are a beloved part of Australian life and offer many health and wellbeing benefits. But for older adults and people with disabilities, getting to and enjoying the beach can be difficult or even impossible. This study aimed to understand what makes beaches hard to access, and what could make them easier, for these groups.
What the study did
Theresearchers surveyed 350 people across Australia, most of whom had a disability or were over 65. They asked about:
How often people go to the beach
What stops them from going
What would help them go more often and enjoy it more
What the study found
Barriers to Beach Access
Nearly half (45%) couldn’t visit the beach at all.
Top barriers included:
Difficulty moving on soft sand (84%)
No access to beach-friendly mobility equipment (72%)
Inaccessible paths, ramps, and parking (77%)
Fear of falling and fatigue
Facilitators That Would Help
Most said they’d go more often (85%) and stay longer (83%) if access improved.
Top facilitators included:
Accessible paths and ramps (90%)
Sand walkways or mats (89%)
Accessible parking close to the beach (87%)
Booking systems for beach equipment
Physical assistance for beach and water activities
What this means
People with disabilities and older adults face real, preventable barriers to enjoying the beach.
Improving access could help them enjoy the same health and social benefits as everyone else.
Solutions need to include both physical changes (like ramps and mats) and support services (like equipment bookings and assistance).
Making beaches more accessible isn’t just about ramps — it’s about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy the health and happiness that come from being by the sea.
For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.
Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.
First published online 26 April 2023.
Why this study was done
Beaches are a beloved part of Australian life and offer many health and wellbeing benefits. But for older adults and people with disabilities, getting to and enjoying the beach can be difficult or even impossible. This study aimed to understand what makes beaches hard to access, and what could make them easier, for these groups.
What the study did
Theresearchers surveyed 350 people across Australia, most of whom had a disability or were over 65. They asked about:
How often people go to the beach
What stops them from going
What would help them go more often and enjoy it more
What the study found
Barriers to Beach Access
Nearly half (45%) couldn’t visit the beach at all.
Top barriers included:
Difficulty moving on soft sand (84%)
No access to beach-friendly mobility equipment (72%)
Inaccessible paths, ramps, and parking (77%)
Fear of falling and fatigue
Facilitators That Would Help
Most said they’d go more often (85%) and stay longer (83%) if access improved.
Top facilitators included:
Accessible paths and ramps (90%)
Sand walkways or mats (89%)
Accessible parking close to the beach (87%)
Booking systems for beach equipment
Physical assistance for beach and water activities
What this means
People with disabilities and older adults face real, preventable barriers to enjoying the beach.
Improving access could help them enjoy the same health and social benefits as everyone else.
Solutions need to include both physical changes (like ramps and mats) and support services (like equipment bookings and assistance).
Making beaches more accessible isn’t just about ramps — it’s about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy the health and happiness that come from being by the sea.
For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.
Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.
This is a plain language video summary of the journal article "Making beaches more accessible".