January 7th, 2026
“A day where my disability didn’t define me: it was just me, the sea, and the wind in my face.” – Wetwheels participant
The sea has always held a special kind of freedom – that vast, shifting horizon, the spray on your face, the rhythm of waves underneath you. For anyone standing on a shore, or on the deck of a boat, there’s a shift: a moment where worries pause, perspective opens and we feel part of something bigger.
Scientists call this link between water and wellbeing “blue health”. Evidence is growing that time spent in, on or by the water carries powerful benefits for both body and mind.
The Science of Blue Health
Research shows that being near or in water can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Improve mood, focus and a sense of belonging
- Encourage social connection, especially for underrepresented or isolated groups
One UK study found that every 10% increase in access to local green and blue spaces was linked with a roughly 7% reduction in the risk of anxiety and depression.(link)
Another government-led review noted that being in, on or next to water “contributes to physical, social and psychological health benefits.” (link)
Blue Health in Action with Wetwheels
At Wetwheels, we don’t just talk about these research findings – we bring them to life. Through our fleet of purpose-built, fully accessible powerboats, we invite disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages to experience the sea; not as passengers, but as active participants.
From Passenger to Captain
What makes Wetwheels unique is that guests don’t just sit back; they steer, navigate, feel the power of the waves beneath them. That moment – the first time someone with a mobility challenge grips the wheel, feels the boat respond – is transformative. It’s not only the sea, it’s personal. Confidence surges, “I can” replaces “I can’t,” and that shift echoes long after the trip ends.
Barrier-Free Boating
Accessibility isn’t an afterthought; it’s built into the hull. Every boat is designed for wheelchair access, safe boarding, inclusive controls. For many, a Wetwheels trip is their first time at sea. That first step can lead to a lifetime of new perspectives, friendships and special memories.
Shared Moments, Lasting Impact
Whether it’s a young person learning the ropes, a community group discovering local heritage sights, or an individual living with dementia reconnecting to the sea of their youth – these trips are all about connection. Between people, and between people and places.
One Wetwheels participant put it simply: “It’s not just a boat trip. It’s freedom, confidence and belonging – all rolled into one.”
Why These Moments Matter
We know that time in blue spaces helps wellbeing. But what does that mean in a Wetwheels context?
- Imagine someone who has always been told they can’t go to sea because of a mobility challenge – suddenly they’re steering a boat. That’s empowerment.
- Think of carers who daily manage someone with complex needs – a few hours of breeze, laughter and views across the horizon can be restorative for everyone involved.
- Consider communities where access to the coast is limited – our outreach journeys bring barrier-free boating closer to them.
What’s Next?
Wetwheels is on a mission: not just to build more boats, but to touch more lives. With eight vessels now operating across the UK, we’re working toward supporting 12,000+ participants annually by 2026. And further in the future, we’re planning two new regional hubs- one in Wales, one in Northern Ireland – so that barrier-free access to the sea becomes a reality in more places.
Because Everyone Deserves the Sea
The benefits of blue health are clear. People with better access to blue spaces report better mental and physical health, greater wellbeing and stronger connections to community and nature. But access doesn’t always happen on its own. That’s where Wetwheels steps in; opening doors, lowering barriers, bringing the sea closer.
Through the support of our regional hubs, dedicated volunteers, operators, our corporate partners, and the people who choose to donate, we create the conditions for the sea to heal, inspire and liberate.
Because everyone deserves to experience the healing power of the sea.
