Emerald Isle program ensures beach access for everyone
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EMERALD ISLE, N.C.--An Emerald Isle program that ensures beach access for everyone is more popular than ever.
For several years, the town has allowed persons with disabilities to borrow a beach wheelchair for the day at no cost.
The main beach accesses in Emerald Isle have ramps to make them wheelchair accessible
Town officials say the wheelchair program opens a whole new world for those who have trouble getting around.
"Many of them it's the first time they've ever been on the beach. The fact that the chairs can go into the water is even an added benefit because the ones who had been on the beach had not been allowed to take whatever they were using to get into the water," said Alicia Sanderson, Director of Parks and Recreation.
The chairs are available at the Emerald Isle Fire Department to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
Most of the other towns on Bogue Banks have similar free beach wheelchair programs as well.