ACCESS WELCOME GUIDE

At Ewings Sea Angling & Boat Charters, we want every guest to feel relaxed, confident and welcome from the moment they arrive in Rosses Point. Whether you’re joining us for a family day out, your first fishing adventure, or a scenic trip along the Sligo coastline, your comfort and safety matter to us.

That’s why we’ve created an accessibility welcome guide — a clear, honest resource that explains what to expect when visiting us, how to access the pontoon and boat, and what support is available. We encourage all guests, especially those with mobility, sensory, or medical needs, to read the guide before their visit.

This is in website format below or available to view as a pdf here or download as a word document here

Ewings Sea Angling & Boat Charters

Rosses Point,

Co. Sligo

1. Overview

This guide provides clear, simple information to help all visitors understand access, facilities, boarding, and suitability.

2. Contact Information

Phone: +353 (0)86 891 3618

Email: info@sligoboatcharters.com

Website: sligoboatcharters.com

Departure Location: Pontoon beside Harry Ewing Pier, Rosses Point.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/m7rj1MkB74NrL5M47

Visitors with accessibility, mobility, sensory or medical needs should contact us before booking.

3. Parking & Arrival

• Public gravel car park beside the pier
• Surface may be uneven for wheelchairs or walking aids
• Drop-off area available at top of hill beside RNLI station
• Street view on google; https://maps.app.goo.gl/TczxcyS7GSKaY5ix7

4. Walking Route to Pontoon

• 50–120 metre downhill walk
• Surfaces include gravel and concrete
• Slope may be difficult for some visitors

5. Pontoon & Gangway

• Access via tidal gangway with handrails
• Ramp may be steep at low tide
• Pontoon moves slightly with the tide

6. Boarding the Boat

• Boarding from pontoon onto boat
• 2‑foot (61 cm) wide doorway
• Low step/threshold
• Crew provide assistance

7. Accessibility Limitations

Due to pontoon/pier structure, tidal movement and narrow doorway:

• Not wheelchair accessible – guests must transfer through an access doorway
• Visitors must be able to step onto a moving surface

8. On-Board Facilities

• Outdoor bench seating
• Grab rails on deck
• Small marine toilet (not wheelchair accessible)
• Storage for small bags

9. Sensory Information

• Sounds: engine, wind, waves
• Motion: rocking or pitching
• Visuals: bright reflections, open sea views
• Smells: sea air, bait, engine fumes

10. Medical & Safety

• Motion sickness medication should be taken before boarding
• Crew can store essential medication
• Safety equipment: lifejackets, VHF radio, flares, first‑aid kit
• Clear safety briefing before departure

11. Suitability Guidance

May be unsuitable for:

• Wheelchair users who cannot transfer through the boats access door
• Visitors unable to walk down a small hill
• Visitors unable to step through narrow doorway
• Severe motion sickness or vertigo

12. Carers & Companions

Companions are welcome and may assist with mobility, communication or medical needs. No extra fee applies.

13. What to Bring

Warm waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, medication, sensory aids.

14. Weather & Tide Impact

• Trips may be rescheduled due to unsafe sea conditions
• Tidal height affects gangway steepness
• Guests will be notified of changes promptly

15. Accessibility Commitment

We aim to continually improve accessibility where possible. Feedback is always welcome.

16. Sensory Story – What to Expect on the Day

This sensory story is designed to help visitors understand each stage of their trip. It may be especially useful
for neurodivergent visitors, visitors with anxiety, or anyone who prefers clear expectations.

1. ARRIVAL
You will arrive at the gravel car park. The ground may feel uneven under your feet. You will see the sea and hear
waves and seabirds.

2. WALKING TO THE PONTOON
You will walk downhill toward the RNLI lifeboat station. The slope may feel steep for some visitors. You may feel wind
on your face and hear the sound of boats.

3. THE GANGWAY
You will walk down a ramp with handrails. It may move slightly because it floats with the tide. At low tide the ramp
may feel steeper.

4. THE PONTOON
The pontoon is a floating platform. It may move gently under your feet. This is normal. You may smell the sea and hear
water moving against the pontoons.

5. BOARDING THE BOAT
A crew member will welcome you and offer help. You will step onto the boat and through a narrow doorway. The doorway
is c. 2 feet wide. You may feel the boat move slightly as you board.

6. ON THE BOAT
The boat may rock gently. You can hold onto handrails if you wish. There are seats to sit on. You may hear the engine
start — it may be loud for a moment. The boat will move smoothly at first, then a little more as it reaches open water.

7. DURING THE TRIP
You may feel wind, smell the sea, and hear the sound of waves. If fishing, you may smell bait. The crew will help you
hold a fishing rod if needed. Some trips are quiet and relaxing; others have moments of excitement when fish are caught.

8. RETURNING
The boat will slow down and return to the pontoon. The engine noise will reduce. A crew member will help you off the
boat and back onto the pontoon. You will walk back up the gangway and return to the car park.

You are welcome to ask questions at any time.