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The majority of beaches in the Region of Murcia now have facilities for people with reduced mobility, which allows everyone to enjoy the water independently. Unfortunately, as with all frequently-used equipment, accessible bathing gear can sometimes break down, which has happened to a very large extent in Mazarrón.

 

According to several holidaymakers, all of the amphibious chairs have completely broken or been damaged in some way, meaning swimmers with mobility issues can’t safely enter the water independently.

 

Gema Parra came to Mazarrón from Madrid to spend a few days relaxing on the beach. Her mother, Isabel Jiménez Navas, 78, has mobility difficulties, so they decided to go to the Mazarrón coast, which had the necessary accessibility equipment to allow her to swim. But according to Gema, the chair at Paseo del Puerto beach has been unavailable since July 4.

 

“We've tried our luck at other beaches, but they're also broken,” she explained. On the morning of July 9, they submitted a complaint form at one of the on-site Red Cross stations.

 

Something similar happened to Adrián Juárez García, who often visits Mazarrón during the summer with his mother, Francisca García Aroca. In his case, they were allowed to reserve an amphibious bathing chair at the town hall well in advance, even though none of the equipment was operational.

 

Novaf, the company that sold the Paseo del Puerto chair, explained that the equipment is designed to last "two or three summers." The lifespan of the chairs, according to the company, depends on many other factors including frequency of use and maintenance, but "if any part breaks or is lost, simply request it and it will be sent to you within 24 to 48 hours." They mention that replacing the handles, a frequent issue with amphibious chairs, would only cost about €5.

 

The Tourism Institute conducts an annual review of the status of accessible services and facilities on the main beaches. The results are sent to the local governments, which are responsible for improving, caring for and maintaining the beaches. According to the report, in 2021 there were 32 beaches accessible to people with disabilities in the Region of Murcia.

 

In addition to the bathing chairs, the Mazarrón coast has walkways that allow users to move more easily along the sand, and Red Cross stations that offer free assisted bathing services.

 

 

Image: Novaf