Getting in and out of the water is now easier for Albany residents living with disabilities, with two new aquatic wheelchairs unveiled on Wednesday at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre to improve access to the pool.

For people living with mobility issues and neurological conditions, swimming pools provide essential rehabilitation and hydrotherapy services that can’t be accessed without safe, size-inclusive bariatric wheelchairs.

Albany resident Cheryl Crabtree lives with multiple sclerosis. She advocated for the new wheelchairs alongside MSWA community engagement co-ordinator Ronnie Mills due to concerns around the existing equipment.

They raised concerns about the condition and inclusivity of the existing wheelchairs during discussion with Albany MLA Scott Leary at an MSWA Connect session.

The MSWA Connect session highlighted the poor state of the two existing wheelchairs, specifically their inability to cater to larger wheelchair users, limiting who was able to access important rehabilitation and hydrotherapy services.

The old wheelchairs had a limit of 120kg but the new ones can hold up to 200kg, which will increase the number of people able to use them.

The new bariatric wheelchairs were made possible through fundraising from ALAC’s annual seven-hour relay challenge that raises money for West Australians living with neurological conditions.

Ms Crabtree said she is thankful to everyone who helped advocate for the wheelchairs.

“The old ones were falling apart and I did write a letter to complain about them and it led to this,” she said.

“I am just so grateful for MSWA and Scott Leary putting their two cents in and the results are two new wheelchairs.

“It’s going to benefit everybody that’s got a disability and I’m so grateful for that.”

Ms Crabtree said the bariatric wheelchairs will help her enjoy an activity that she can do independently.

“It’s very important for me because when I’m in the pool I just have a noodle and I can walk by myself freely and it’s a wonderful feeling,” she said.

“I can do my exercises at each end of the pool like stretching my legs and doing all sorts of exercises.

“It’s wonderful to be able to walk in the pool with no assistance.

“It’s going to benefit all the people who have a disability.

“It’s been a long-time coming and I’m just so grateful.”

Community engagement manager Emily Ace said the wheelchairs will have a positive impact for people with disabilities.

“People can transfer into the wheelchair and go directly into the pool, it will also help them get around to the change rooms as well,” she said.

“Bringing these brand new two wheelchairs into the centre will allow more people to access the water.”

Mr Leary said the wheelchairs and partnership with MSWA was an important step in ensuring Albany’s much-loved recreational spaces remain safe, inclusive and welcoming for the whole community.

“For community members who rely on this equipment, new bariatric wheelchairs mean greater independence, dignity and confidence,” he said.

ALAC’s aquatic supervisor Hayden Parker said the two wheelchairs will allow for more people to use the facility.

“In terms of safety these are a lot more stable and modern so it will give people the chance to safely access the pool,” he said.

“We’ve got four at the front door of the aquatic centre so anyone who comes in can feel free to use them.

“If you’ve got any questions about them, come and grab our staff and they’ll be happy to give you a hand.”