Tag Archives: Accessible Transfer System

Commercial Docks, Dock Design, Kayaking, Parks and Recreation

The ADA Kayak Launch: Getting More People on the Water

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Living near a public or community dock is a great way for people who love the water to be able to get out and access it. It’s a great source of fun and entertainment that should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. However, if a dock isn’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards then a large portion of people aren’t going to be able to access the water with your dock. Making sure your dock follows all the guidelines set by the ADA will ensure that everyone can have fun out on the water.

Safely Getting on the Water with an ADA Kayak Launch

Among the many popular water activities, kayaking keeps increasing in popularity.  Many public parks and summer camps see this increase in kayaking popularity, and in turn they would like to increase the kayaking traffic on their water. While most able-bodied people can safely get into a kayak, there’s always a risk of falling into the water if the kayak isn’t supported.

Fortunately, there’s a solution available for everyone! With the EZ Launch system from EZ Dock, people of all body function are able to safely launch in and out of the water without every worrying about getting wet. The EZ Launch system provides a stable platform for people to place their kayak, and it comes with an ADA certified transfer bench station to safely transfer in and out of the vessel. This provides everyone an opportunity to safely and securely access the water. An EZ Launch system is a great investment because it will increase traffic for your park or waterfront.

If you’re interested in an ADA accessible kayak launch system, Deaton’s Waterfront Services is here to help! We specialize in making sure our docks meet all ADA guidelines to help get everyone on the water. For more information, reach out to us to request a free quote, or give our office a call at (317)747-4933. Our team of experts will work with you to design the dock that perfectly fits all your needs.

 

Commercial Docks, Dock Design

Accessibility and ADA-Compliant Docks at Public Waterfronts

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If you have a community boat dock near you and your neighbors, you want to make sure that everyone can enjoy it. Being able to spend time outdoors and around the water is part of life’s greatest pleasures . But if the public dock isn’t handicap accessible or ADA-compliant, you’re preventing citizens from fully utilizing the space. Getting a site that’s up-to-code and open to everyone makes a big difference in building a vibrant, healthy, and engaged community.

Waterfronts on state property and other local public sites need to be regularly reviewed to ensure that they’re not only safe for guests, but that they are accessible for people of varying ability levels. Easy mobility on boat docks and fishing docks helps make these spaces welcome to anyone who wants to use them.

Guidelines for Recreational Facility Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) works to protect the rights of individuals, no matter what their physical abilities might be. The law helps ensure that everyone can have safe, convenient access to local government and state facilities, including our treasured parks and recreational areas. Boating facilities, as well as fishing piers and platforms, must accommodate people with disabilities. Both fixed and floating structures need to comply with the ADA standards.

In 2002, the Access Board issued some helpful guidelines for new boating facilities and other remodels. Outlining the minimum requirements for these sites helps public docks improve their accessible features. These resources make it easier to create wheelchair-accessible routes for fishing docks and other boating activities. Of course, it’s always best to work with a seasoned waterfront specialist when drafting your designs. The right team of dock experts will help ensure that any new builds or remodels are ADA-compliant.

No matter the size of the recreational facility, certain accessibility features will need to be in place. Large marinas and piers, and even small public campgrounds with just one or two boat slips must meet these requirements. By addressing the usability at sites of all shapes and sizes, the public can have a great time around the water—no matter where they are.

Accessible Dock & Waterfront Solutions

Fortunately, making public docks accessible isn’t that big of a mystery. There are plenty of waterfront products available that can streamline the process. ADA-compliant features make fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation fun for everyone! Including some of the best accessible dock solutions into your site is a great way to help your community stay safe on the water.

Public Fishing Docks

Building an accessible fishing dock is often a top priority for commercial and public waterfronts. Since fishing is such a popular hobby, it would be a shame to limit anyone’s access to the lake or pond! A simple public fishing dock will let park visitors get a great catch. We prefer building with EZ Dock because it’s easy to upgrade commercial dock setups. When necessary, you can even add a floating walkway with guardrails to expand visitor access.

Public Kayak Launches

For a really convenient canoe and kayak launch experience, you can’t go wrong with the latest EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System. These models make it easier than ever for small boating enthusiasts to enter and exit their watercraft. The transfer bench is made with two different heights to accommodate varying wheelchair sizes, and the entire system exceeds the minimum requirements of the ADA standards.

Community Boat Docks

If your setup requires multiple boat slips, ramps, and access points, you can still count on EZ Dock. We’ve utilized their modular system to build floating docks in communities all across the Midwest. Because you can easily expand your design with EZ Dock, there’s always the option to add new elements for a better overall experience. Making sure you have the proper ADA-compliant railings and curbing for safe, accessible ramps streamlines these designs.

Ready to Improve Your Public Dock?

If you need help making your local or state property compliant and accessible, call on the dock experts. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’re proud to work with municipalities and commercial docks of all shapes and sizes. We have completed multiple waterfront projects for state properties and public lakes throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois.

Getting your waterfront accessible and ADA-compliant is easy when you work with a professional team. To get started, simple contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services to schedule an on-site visit or request a quote. We would be honored to work with you!

 

Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Dock Products

New EZ Dock Boating Products for 2017

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The new line of 2017 EZ Dock products is making a big splash this year. Whether your dock is already in place, or you’re still making plans to get your system installed, these two new add-on options are great for personalizing your waterfront property. Build the dock that matches your needs and interests with one of these fantastic setups!

These new dock systems are perfect for rowing and kayak enthusiasts. The special designs give you easier access to the water and work seamlessly with both residential and commercial docks. And just like everything in the EZ Dock brand, the new products are all about versatility.

Low Profile Dock

We’re now offering installation services for the new Low Profile Dock from EZ Dock. This is an ideal match for waterfront properties that want easy access for their fishing, swimming, boating and rowing adventures. Because the freeboard planks float even closer to the water, it’s the perfect platform for entering your boat safely and conveniently. Or you can use it as a regular dock for just jumping right in to the water!

  • New Low Profile Dock
  • Low Maintenance & Great Stability
  • High Load Capacity for multiple launches (on both sides)
  • Compatible with traditional docks and standard EZ Dock systems
  • Modular Design for multiple applications

This new addition to the EZ Dock product line is also known as their Rowing Dock. With its shallow height and durability, this modular system is the perfect dock for recreational and competitive rowers. These low-profile docks even exceed the US Rowing standards, as well as the International Rowing Federation (FISA) standards. With this setup, you’ll know you’re getting great quality for rowers of every level!

You can even reconfigured your design if you need to change locations or move the dock for upcoming events. The versatile construction with EZ Dock products helps you create the systems that’s perfect for your waterfront. We’re excited to help our clients set up these unique systems!

Canoe & Kayak Launch

The release of the new Kayak Launch from EZ Dock is great for lots of small boat types. This sleek design makes it easier than ever to enter and exit your kayak or canoe. Even as water levels rise and fall, the floating platform on this launch give you comfortable access to your favorite water activities. Guard rails for safety and convenient launch rollers will help get you out on the water in no time.

  • New Canoe & Kayak Launch
  • Guide rails for safe access in and out of boat
  • Launch rollers to help move watercraft
  • Floating Platform fits with Standard EZ Dock systems
  • Universal Access Features

Whether you want a kayak launch for your private property or a commercial site, these new design features will make boating fun and even more approachable. Secure railings and a unique Accessible Transfer System provide top of the line safety and assistance to users of all levels. A transfer bench and slide boards even allow users to enter their boat while sitting. It’s a more comfortable transfer, and the system even surpasses the minimum requirements outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

You can also pair the EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System with this kayak launch. A transfer bench with two heights helps ease the transition from a wheelchair to the boat, and the slide boards come with two different heights to accommodate varying watercraft sizes. (For more information on these features, check out the product video from EZ Dock.)

Get the Upgrade!

Updating your current dock setup or preparing to install your floating dock is a breeze when you have the right contractors. Contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services today to learn more about these new 2017 products from EZ Dock. We’re always available for consultations and look forward to telling you more about the best docking system for your active lifestyle.