SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium helps make the beach accessible to all

The Disabled Divers Association (DDA) has today launched the new Hippocampe Beach Wheelchair at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary in Port Phillip Bay thanks to the generous donation from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium’s charity Merlin’s Magic Wand.

Launched in conjunction with Summer by the Seas and Disabled Beach Access and Snorkelling, the new wheelchair provides people of various abilities the opportunity to experience a day at the beach in a new way.

The Beach Wheelchair was donated to DDA thanks to Merlin’s Magic Wand, Merlin Entertainments’ charity that helps put the magic back into the lives of seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium General Manager Chris Kearney stated “thanks to the money raised by visitors and staff at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium throughout the year, we were able to purchase this special and much needed wheelchair for DDA.

“The beach wheelchair allows people of all abilities to enjoy the ocean, which for wheelchair users can be extremely hard without the correct facilities. It’s truly fantastic to see the smiles on the family’s faces as they enjoy a visit to the beach together.”

The Hippocampe Beach Wheelchair at Rickett’s Point Marine Sanctuary is now available for use, free of charge.

For more information and bookings, email: parafin_dda.mail.com

Summer By The Sea’s Disabled Beach Access and Snorkelling day is designed to help people of various abilities gain confidence in accessing the beach and to give people with disabilities the opportunity to put the fun back into life.

DDA is a non-profit organisation, dedicated to encouraging and supporting people with disabilities.

Merlin’s Magic Wand is Merlin Entertainments Group’s official charity and puts the magic back into the childhoods of seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children.

To find out more about Merlin’s Magic Wand and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium’s go to www.merlinsmagicwand.org/aus-nz 

14th July 2016 - SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM CELEBRATES SHARK AWARENESS DAY 

16th June 2015 - TRAILRIDER ALLOWS WHEELCHAIR-BOUND AUSTRALIANS TO GO HIKING

15th January 2015 - SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM CELEBRATES 15TH BIRTHDAY

28th December 2014 - SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM UNVEILS ALL-NEW ART AQUARIUM 

9th December 2014 - FLOATING WHEELCHAIR GENERATING INTEREST FROM AUSTRALIAN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS

27th August 2014 - DUBAI UNVEILS FLOATING WHEELCHAIRS FOR BEACHGOERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS