Nothing could get in the way of this beautiful day, could it? The smell of salt and sunscreen fills the air, while the sun beats down relentlessly. Everyone in Hull has one thing in mind this day: Nantasket Beach. Until they see … the rocks that cover many of the ramps leading to the beach.
How are we supposed to get on the beach?
The state Department of Conservation and Recreation has 11 beach wheelchairs at the Mary Jeanette Murray Bath House. They are free to borrow, require no reservation, and are available to anyone who feels unsteady on the rocks. They work well for going down the ramps and over the rocks. They also float if you choose to go in the water.
In a recent survey taken on Nantasket Beach, 74 percent of beachgoers did not know the beach wheelchairs were available for use, and 58 percent said they knew someone who would be interested in using one. Although the rocks are removed periodically by the DCR, the tide brings them back in as quickly as two days.
Don’t let the rocks get in the way of your beach day.
Submitted by Porter Bell

ON THE ROCKS. Beach wheelchairs available from the DCR are demonstrated by Porter Bell as he pushes classmate Trevor Buckridge (at right). Buckridge demonstrates a different wheel chair (above). This was an awareness project that Bell, a Hull resident, took on for a class at Boston College High School. [Courtesy photos.]