Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving club, in partnership with Corangamite Shire Council, will hold its second accessible beach day to celebrate the International Day of Persons Living With a Disability.
The Great South Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Association will run surfing experiences from 10 am to 3 pm. All equipment (including wetsuits) is provided.
Guided wheelchair rides along the beach to the suspension bridge are also available from 10 am to 3 pm.
Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club president Rebecca McAuliffe said the day aimed to provide fun activities for people with disability, as well as shine a light on accessibility barriers at the beach.
"We are a nation that loves the beach - it's part of our culture," Ms McAuliffe said.
"But a recent survey found that more than 60 per cent of Australians aged 65 or over and those with a disability cannot participate in their preferred beach activity.
"Of these, 26 per cent are unable to visit the beach at all."
Ms McAuliffe said Port Campbell was the only safely patrolled beach between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool.
She said that while it would take a 'whole of community' approach to improve physical access to Port Campbell beach, the club was taking steps to be more accessible and inclusive for people with disability.
"James Czencz is another volunteer member who is passionate about improving social inclusion, who has been instrumental in organising the Beach Inclusion Day," Ms McAuliffe said.
The event, from 10am- 3pm on Sunday 8 December, is supported by Corangamite Shire Council.
"Join us for a day celebrating beach access, inclusion and fun, for all people," Mayor Kate Makin said.
"Whether you use a wheelchair, have mobility or balance concerns, or support someone who does, come and experience how beach inclusion can be an everyday reality.
"The day will include supported beach walks in the Beach Wheelchairs and a surfing experience with The Warrnambool Disabled Surfers.
"This will enable people who might never have the chance to get into the water an opportunity to experience surfing.
"Naturally at an event like this there will be a barbecue to enjoy as well, hosted by the Surf Club. Come down and enjoy the day."
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks and Authority (GORCAPA) staff will be there with iPads to show people how they can go online to book the beach equipment, including a hoist to transfer people from their own wheelchair to the beach one.
Registrations for Accessible Surfing: trybooking.com/events/landing/1310204
Registrations for Beach Walks: trybooking.com/CWMMF
The event is presented in partnership with Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Wannon Water, Port Campbell Inclusive Beach Initiative and The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia.
Beach Accessibility assistance and equipment is readily available outside of this event, if there is no patrol activity on the beach the point of contact for these services is GORCAPA.
