Seatrac system for those with mobility issues at nine beaches again this year
CORFU. All three Corfu municipalities and the Regional Administration support sea access for all.
A network of accessible beaches is being set up again this year in popular areas of Corfu. The well-known Seatrac systems, which have been adopted in recent years by the local and regional authorities, putting Corfu on the map of accessible destinations for people with disabilities, will make their appearance once again on nine of the island's beaches.
Recently, the Ionian Islands Regional Council approved the conclusion of programme contracts between the Regional Authority and the municipalities of North and South Corfu, in order to install autonomous access systems for people with disabilities on four beaches within their geographical boundaries.
The cost for leasing the four new Seatrac systems amounts to €33,000 (including VAT) and is covered by the resources of the Corfu division of the Regional Authority. Additionally, there is a provision to reinstall the corresponding system owned by the Regional Authority on the beach of Benitses.
These are autonomous facilities consisting of fixed-track rails, within which a specially designed seat can move in and out of the water, allowing the user to enter the sea safely without the assistance of anyone else. In this way, individuals can enjoy their bathing experience without the difficulties that were prohibitive for many of them in the past.
The Deputy Regional Governor for Social Cohesion, Melita Andrioti, told Enimerosi that once the programme contracts are approved by the municipal councils of the North and South municipalities, a relevant tender will follow for their procurement through leasing.
"We will conduct an exploratory study for the purchase of these devices according to the decision of the Regional Council, but the safest way is to lease them, as the contractor is responsible for their maintenance, repair, and security, in addition to the fact that we acquire new machines each time," Ms. Andrioti pointed out.
Central Corfu Municipality has been leading the way in this field, having succeeded in establishing Corfu as one of the most accessible destinations for people with special needs. They have achieved this through the annual installation of the seatrac network, which they further enhance with sea wheelchairs.It has achieved an international reputation and tourism organisations from Ukraine have approached the Deputy Mayor for Social Policy, Andreas Skoupouras, expressing their interest in implementing a similar plan for the tourism infrastructure in the Black Sea.
Mr. Skoupouras told Enimerosi that" this year, five seatrac systems will be installed, just like last year (one of them belonging to the municipality). The call for expressions of interest is ready to go out and it is estimated that by June 10, these systems will be installed in Dassia, Gouvia, Ipsos, Paleokastritsa and Nissaki, with the island's beaches being classified as some of the most accessible in Greece for people with special needs.
"The seatrac systems are used daily, and we have tourists who come to Corfu solely for this opportunity provided on our beaches," he said.
