"We feel there is change": Tiralo, ramps, handiplages label, accessibility is progressing in Biscarrosse

In Biscarrosse, on the South Beach, a floating chair awaits swimmers with reduced mobility. Thanks to the Handiplage label and the mobilization of lifeguards, the Landes coastline is beginning to open up to everyone. An important step, but still insufficient.

In Biscarrosse, on the south beach, the Tiralo waits patiently to be picked up. This wheelchair designed for people with reduced mobility allows them to roll on the ground, but also float on the water. "We've put things in place so everyone can go into the water," explains one of the lifeguards at the Biscarrosse South lifeguard station.

For people with disabilities, a day at the beach can quickly become an organizational headache. Whether it's a reserved parking space, wheelchair access, or the presence of a Tiralo, accessibility becomes a major criterion when choosing a vacation. But it's not always easy to know whether a beach is accessible or not. "The best thing to do is call the rescue center," suggests a lifeguard. "Then they come and pick people up and take them down to the beach." Lifeguards also come after swimming.

Since 1999 , the Handiplage association has implemented an eponymous label that classifies beaches according to their level of accessibility. "This label aims to adapt to the needs of each disability," explains Valérie Barel, founder and representative of the Handiplage association. Ranging from 1 to 4, it is "evolving" depending on the facilities.

"When the municipality of Biscarrosse approached us, there wasn't much. Today, it's rated a Label 2," recalls the representative. Mats, Tiralo, lifeguards for swimming transfers, and adapted toilets and showers for people with reduced mobility have been installed.

In the municipality, all the beaches are classified as Label 2. A small victory for the association. "We feel there's change," assures the founder. The Handiplage label is progressing, as are the facilities. But with barely 180 beaches certified out of more than 2,600, seaside inclusion remains a challenge.