Supporting Welfare: Mariners of Bewl

Mariners of Bewl is an inclusive sailing club where members with physical impairments and non-disabled sail together on an equal basis in their adaptive fleet of dinghies. The club is located on Bewl Water, the largest piece of inland water in the Southeast of England, on the Kent/Sussex border.

With funding from Sport England, alongside other donations, the club recently purchased a wheelchair accessible powerboat to strengthen their inclusivity offer.

Named ‘Jennie’, the new accessible Wheelyboat is a fantastic addition to the Sailability club, helping to make activities on the water accessible to people of all abilities. With its roll-on, roll-off wheelchair ramp and spacious design behind the wheel, the boat enables wheelchair users to board independently and safely, offering both freedom and confidence on the water.

Rachel Daly, one of our Sport Welfare Officers joined Angela, her counterpart from Active Sussex, to visit the club to meet club members and see the new Wheelyboat in action.

During the visit, Rachel and Angela had the opportunity to take the helm with support from one of the club’s senior instructors, while safety remained the top priority throughout.

The new V20 Wheelyboat is more than just another vessel at Mariners of Bewl, it is a gateway to independence and participation. By helping individuals feel comfortable and capable on the water, Jennie can provide the confidence to progress into sailing and potentially even competitive disability sport.

The visit showcased the power of collaboration and inclusive sport, demonstrating how organisations and community clubs can work together to create meaningful, accessible opportunities for all.

• Welfare and safeguarding measures strengthened with a free Active Kent & Medway Supporter Kit bag, providing 12 key items including a hi vis jacket, sport equipment, clipboards, and an ever-important pen!
• Discussions had around the club’s proactive safeguarding culture, with visible poster in the clubhouse.
• Support provided to help strengthen protocol by sharing local statutory safeguarding contacts to be included in safeguarding procedures.
• Signposted club to local disability networks, to help strengthen local networking opportunities.
• Training support offered on the culture reflection toolkit plus board/committee welfare responsibilities with legal have to’s and moral need to’s.
• Collaborative promotion offered via social media of the club’s core inclusivity offer, increasing awareness of its welcoming accessibility for all abilities.

Interested in giving sailing a go?

Visit Mariners of Bewl to find out more.