Hilton Head Island, SC – June 3, 2022 – The Town of Hilton Head Island is making it easier for people with disabilities to access the beach with the launch of its new beach wheelchair program.

“Through this service, we are providing wheelchairs for residents and visitors with a disability that limits their ability to get on the beach. We want to make sure our beach is accessible to everyone,” said Aaron Black, Facilities Manager for the Town.  

Black said the Town decided to offer this free service as a part of its initiative to enhance the overall beach experience for beachgoers.  Four wheelchairs are available for daily use at Islanders Beach Park in Folly Field and at Coligny Beach Park.  

Beachgoers may reserve a wheelchair through the Town’s website. While there is no charge to use the wheelchairs, people making a reservation will be required to provide a credit card number to be charged if they damage or fail to return the chair.  Upon making a reservation, a code will be sent to the user so they can unlock the reserved wheelchair at the beach park location and lock the wheelchair after returning it.

The Town will evaluate the service at the end of the summer beach season and determine if improvements need to be made and whether to expand it to other beach parks.  

To reserve a beach wheelchair, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/beach/accessibility.