Shellharbour City Council has introduced a new water wheelchair at the Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool, further strengthening accessibility at the much‑loved coastal facility following major upgrades completed in recent months.
The water wheelchair complements the new permanent accessible ramp delivered as part of the 2025 upgrade project, which improved safety and ease of access for people of all ages and abilities. Together, these additions create a significantly more inclusive environment for the pool's 170,000 annual visitors.
Caption: Shellharbour City Council Aquatics and Recreation Manager Graham Suckley with Cathy Richardson and Kylie Riek at Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the said the addition of the water wheelchair ensured everyone could enjoy Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool.
"Council is committed to providing facilities that meet the needs of our growing and diverse community. By combining major accessibility upgrades with practical support like the water wheelchair, we're ensuring the ocean pool is a space where everyone feels welcome."
The lightweight, easy‑to‑manoeuvre water wheelchair is designed to support swimmers with limited mobility to safely enter, move about, and exit the ocean pool. For safe use, two support people must accompany the swimmer and assist in guiding the chair down the ramp, positioning it in the water and supporting transfers.
Safety features include a lap belt, footrests, brakes and compatibility with the pool's new accessibility railing system. Council also recommends that swimmers wear a lifejacket or flotation device when using the chair. The water wheelchair will be available to the community when lifeguards are on duty.
The introduction of the water wheelchair builds on Council's commitment to providing equitable access to community facilities and follows months of significant improvements at the pool. The 2025 upgrade, delivered a permanent ramp, resurfacing of parts of the pool deck, stormwater improvements and targeted repairs to the pool concourse.
These works were shaped by strong community feedback and ensured that all lap‑swimming lanes were retained while meeting accessibility standards.
Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool has been a cherished part of the Shellharbour coastline since 1894. Renamed in honour of local Olympic swimmer Beverley Whitfield in 1994, it remains a favourite for lap swimmers, families and visitors.
A short instructional video demonstrating the safe use of the water wheelchair is now available.
KEY MESSAGES:
• Water wheelchair is now available for use at Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool.
• The addition of the water wheelchair adds to Shellharbour City Council's recent upgrade works on the iconic ocean pool.
• Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the water wheelchair reflected Council's commitment to inclusion and community feedback.
