Summer is still far away, but Ukrainians are already planning their holidays. And this year there is good news: the first fully barrier-free beach will be set up in Hydropark in Kyiv, with infrastructure that will allow people with reduced mobility to enjoy their holidays on an equal footing with everyone else.

This is an important step. But so far, it is the exception rather than the rule.

According to data from previous seasons, there were about 168 officially operating beaches in 15 regions of Ukraine — with sanitary inspections and permitted access to the water.

However, fully accessible infrastructure is rare.

Some initiatives have already been implemented, particularly on the beaches of Odesa, but there is still no systematic approach across the country.

The overall picture of accessibility in Ukraine is also telling: only about 22% of public spaces can be considered fully accessible. The rest are either partially adapted or remain inaccessible. Beaches are part of this tourism and recreational infrastructure.

Despite the national accessibility strategy for 2030 and the efforts of the state and the public sector, accessible recreation is only just emerging as a new standard.

A barrier-free beach is not just a ramp to the water.

It is:

• accessible toilets and changing rooms;
• safe walkways to the water's edge;
• special bathing chairs;
• convenient navigation;
• staff who understand the needs of different people.

The sea, river or lake should be a space for everyone.

We are looking forward to summer to see if barrier-free recreation will become the new norm rather than the exception.