Beach wheelchair booking form (Metropolitan-Caloundra SLSC)

This User Guide contains information about safety, handling and beach access information for the Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchair, available free for hire and use at Kings Beach and must be prebooked through Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club administration office (via this online form).

Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club is committed to ensuring the Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchair is kept in good working order. Persons who use the wheelchair have a responsibility to ensure they take all reasonable steps to avoid an accident by operating it in a safe and careful manner.

People who use the wheelchair do so at their own risk and Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club and the Sunshine Coast Council cannot be held liable for any incident which occurs while it is in the charge of a third party.

The Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchair is for use only at Kings Beach, Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club area when the beach is patrolled.

It is the responsibility of the carer/user to ensure they have read and understood the following Safety and Handling information before use.

1. This chair is a Sandcruiser all-terrain chair and has a lap belt but no thoracic belt.
2. Ensure the footrest is lowered and the parking brake is activated prior to a person being seated. The anti-tipping bar doubles as a brake.
3. Do not use the Sandcruiser ™ Beach Wheelchair during severe weather, dangerous and/or rough ocean currents and any other poor conditions.
4. Do not attempt to cross rocky/uneven surfaces while the wheelchair is occupied.
5. Maximum weight of the intended user is 120kg.
6. Prior to use, inspect the Sandcruiser ™ Beach Wheelchair for the following:
   1. Ensure WheelEEZ ^TM balloon wheels are properly inflated, 0.14-0.28 bar (2-4psi).
   2. Ensure all lock pins, clips, fasteners, seatbelts, etc. are secure prior to operation.
7. The user must be buckled up in the chair and escorted to the water by a carer.
8. The carer must remain with the user in the wheelchair at all times.
9. User should wear a lifejacket when entering the water.
10. The carer (since these wheelchairs are not self-propelled) needs to gauge for themselves the ease with which they can push their charge from the point of pick up to the firm sand.
11. It will always be advisable for two people to assist with the Sandcruiser ™ Beach Wheelchair if the person using the chair is over 60kg.
12. The Sandcruiser can be used in low water levels up to the centre of the rear wheel. It is not to be used in deep water. Extreme caution is recommended.
13. The carer must check with the volunteer lifesavers on duty on the beach to see if it is safe to enter the water. If conditions are not safe then the Sandcruiser ™ Beach Wheelchair should only be used at the water’s edge within the flagged area.

1. The Sandcruiser ™ Beach Wheelchair is specifically designed for use on sand and soft soil. To prevent damage its use on paved footpaths, roads and other hard surfaces should be minimal.
2. After use the Sandcruiser ™ Beach Wheelchair and life jackets must be returned to the area where they were first obtained, at least in the same condition as when they were collected. If any item (eg. Pin, buckle or protective covering) is missing or defective, this should be brought to the attention of the volunteer patrol on duty when returning the wheelchair. Users will be liable for any damage or loss of the Sandcruiser™ Beach Wheelchair or life jackets, or any components thereof.
3. Please ensure the Sandcruiser ™ Beach Wheelchair is washed thoroughly after use to prevent damage from sand and salt and as a courtesy to the next user. This can be done at the beach showers.

1. Be aware: due to winds and tidal variations, beach suitability may vary from day to day. Check on beach conditions with the lifesaver on duty.
2. Always swim/enter the water between the red and yellow flags.
3. Bookings are preferred. Loan of the chair should be arranged through the Metropolitan- Caloundra Surf Lifesaving Club at least 24 hours in advance.
4. Please ensure you have advised the Surf Lifesaving Volunteers that you have returned the wheelchair and life jackets to the original pick up point.