Tybee Island expands Beachable program with free beach walkers

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Tybee Island is adding beach walkers to its Beachable program, giving visitors with mobility challenges another option for accessing the shoreline.

The city already offers free beach wheelchairs through the program. The beach walkers are designed for people who need extra stability on the sand but do not require a full beach wheelchair.

Six walkers available starting Saturday

The city will launch six beach walkers this Saturday, available to borrow at no cost. Tybee Code Enforcement will deliver and pick up the walkers free of charge.

“The beach is a special place, but it’s also difficult for someone with just a little bit of mobility issues,” City Marshal Walter Hattrich said. “It’s tough out there with a regular walker.”

Hattrich said the devices are lightweight and easy to maneuver.

“They’re very easy to move around, extremely light, and we have these available every day now for rental,” he said.

How to borrow a beach walker

Beach walkers are available at the Tybee Island Code Enforcement building. Hattrich said the goal is to help families create shared experiences at the beach.

“All we want is people to come and use them and to create special memories out on the beach,” he said.