A KEEN swimmer is calling for improved access to the sea for people with mobility problems.

Clare Brook has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a condition that causes very flexible joints and stretchy and fragile skin, making it difficult for her to get across the pebbles and into the water.

The 54-year-old said the health benefits of sea swimming should be available to everyone.

The council confirmed it is currently speaking to manufacturers to create a bespoke electric beach wheelchair.

Clare, from Hangleton, said: "The beach is an entirely inaccessible place for anybody with a physical disability, with no stairs and no lift.

"There are a lot of people who want to get in the sea and are perfectly fine to do that when they are in the water, but they struggle to get up and down the pebbles."

Clare runs a movement called Swimblers, a term used in open water swimming groups, which means taking a dip in cold open water for health benefits.

These benefits are backed by Dr Mark Harper from Brighton University, who is a leading researcher in the benefits of cold water therapy, which is now prescribed on the NHS.

Clare added: "I am really committed to getting it recognised as a form of valid exercise for everybody and not just athletes.

The Argus: Clare BrookClare Brook

"Not everybody has the confidence to ask for help, and there a lot of people sat indoors after Covid-19 with even less confidence and are not able to have the benefit."

Brighton and Hove City Council said that there are two all-terrain wheelchairs that have been located on the seafront for several years and have been used regularly.

However, they do recognise that they have limitations in terms of mobility over steep shingles as they are not self-propelling.

The council is now speaking to manufacturers to create a bespoke electric beach wheelchair for use.

A range of work is also planned to make the beach more accessible with some of it already carried out.

This includes new a changing facility built at the new public toilets at Shelter Hall.

There is also a creation of an accessible platform on central Brighton beach.

While an accessible boardwalk from Black Rock to Banjo Groyne in Madeira Drive, is being built now as part of regeneration works.

Councillor Steph Powell, said: "We're keen to improve access to the beach for all sections of our community. Our steeply shelving beaches and huge shingle movement can create access issues, and on top of this, there are very limited flat areas above the high water mark, and areas that are pounded by waves.

"We are not aware of anywhere in the country with our specific kind of coastline that has managed to achieve safe beach and sea access for disabled people.

"But we are committed to finding a solution."

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