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Wildlife Commission Gives Boaters a Hand Up RALEIGH, N.C. (May 19) – North Carolina’s disabled boaters now can get in and out of their vessels easier at selected boat docks across the state.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has installed railings that a disabled or elderly boater can use for support when moving between boat and dock. The bright-yellow railings are currently in place at 14 Commission-maintained boating access areas across the state:
The first railings were installed at Castle Bridge at the request of local crappie angler Bill Justice. Justice uses a walker and had trouble moving from the dock into his boat. He requested the Commission install rails like one would find on a pool ladder. Commission engineer Jeff Ferguson looked into existing designs, but none fit the agency’s criteria. The rails needed to be durable, unobtrusive and compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, guidelines. Instead, Ferguson and Commission staff at the Balsam Depot near Waynesville came up with their own design. The railings, which are installed in sets of two, are 36 inches tall and positioned 36 inches apart. “The rails work real fine,” said Justice. “I would recommend them to any handicapped boater.” Although Commission technicians built the first sets of railings, the Commission has entered a partnership with a N.C. Department of Transportation welding shop for mass production. “The Division of Engineering Services strives to improve the outdoor experience of disabled boaters,” said Ferguson. “New boating access areas are ADA-compliant and, as older areas are improved, ADA features are added. The railings are a part of this effort and will be added to a dock at every boating access area where practical.” Disabled boaters can suggest access areas that need the new railings by calling Engineering Services at (919) 715-3155. A list of Commission sites with railings is available on the Boating Access Bulletin. The list will be updated as railings are installed. |
