Access all areas: how Wetwheels Foundation is bringing boating to everyone.
The aim is simple: to ensure that wherever someone lives in the UK, the freedom of the sea is within reach.
For most keen boaters, time on the water is part of life – a source of freedom, perspective and simple enjoyment. But for many disabled and disadvantaged people across the UK, access to the sea is far from straightforward. That is where Wetwheels is making a remarkable difference.
Wetwheels Foundation operates a fleet of fully accessible powerboats across the UK, providing barrier-free boating experiences that improve confidence, wellbeing and inclusion.
OPENING UP THE SEA
Founded by sailor and accessibility pioneer Geoff Holt MBE DL, Wetwheels is a national charity dedicated to providing fully accessible powerboating experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Through a growing fleet of specially designed, wheelchair-accessible powerboats operating around the UK, the charity is opening up the sea to those who might otherwise never have the opportunity to experience it.
The impact is both immediate and lasting. In 2025 alone, Wetwheels welcomed a record 11,000 participants and their families, delivering more than 1,400 inclusive trips across the UK – the highest number in its history. For more than half, it was their first ever time on the water.
Each journey is about far more than simply getting afloat. Guests are encouraged to take the helm, learn about navigation and seamanship and experience the same sense of freedom and independence that draws so many of us to boating in the first place. For younger participants, it can be a confidence-building moment that sparks new ambitions; for older guests, including those living with dementia, it can rekindle memories and connections long thought lost.
Operating from eight locations across the UK, the charity works closely with local communities, schools, disability groups and maritime organisations to ensure that access to the sea is as inclusive as possible. Behind every trip is a dedicated network of volunteers and trustees who together contribute more than 2,500 hours each year to keep the experiences safe and welcoming.
EXPANSION PLANS
As demand continues to grow, so too do Wetwheels’ ambitions. The charity is now focused on expanding its reach further, with plans to establish new regional hubs in Wales and Northern Ireland. Each new boat represents thousands more opportunities for people to enjoy the wellbeing and freedom that time on the water brings – from coastal exploration and wildlife spotting to simply sharing time at sea with family and friends.
Wetwheels operates through a network of eight regional Community Interest Companies (CICs) around the UK and Channel Islands, each working closely with local charities, schools, businesses and volunteers to deliver experiences that reflect their own coastal communities. This local structure ensures that support stays rooted where it is needed most, while maintaining the national vision of making the sea accessible to all.
To achieve the next stage of growth, Wetwheels is actively fundraising and seeking support not only from the marine sector, but from philanthropic individuals, charitable trusts and businesses who recognise the value of giving more people access to the water. Support from local companies and community partners plays a vital role in sustaining each regional hub and enabling future expansion.
For the boating community and beyond, supporting Wetwheels reflects the very best of life on the water – independence, resilience and the belief that the sea should be open to everyone.
SUPPORTING WETWHEELS
Wetwheels’ impact continues to grow but so does demand. To help bring barrier-free boating to more communities across the UK, the charity is inviting donations and partnership support. To support Wetwheels or to make a donation, please visit: www.wetwheelsfoundation.org/donate
Local businesses, community partners and philanthropic supporters who would like to be part of Wetwheels’ future are warmly invited to get involved. Please contact Chair – Trevor Phillips – via the Wetwheels website to explore how you can support your local Wetwheels community: wetwheelsfoundation.org
