Boat charter caters to people with disabilities
Capt. Austin Schimansky is a Florida native, U.S. Navy veteran and firefighter-paramedic with special water rescue skills who, as a result, travels the country during storms to help rescue those in distress.
He said when in the water, he is most at home in the Pine Island Sound.
In addition to a dizzying schedule, many days find Schimansky anywhere from the Redfish Pass to Boca Grande.
“I like to stay busy,” he said.
According to those who know him best, Beyond Boundaries Excursions is more of a calling on Schimansky’s life than a business he built. He said the idea for it was born a few years ago when he and his family found themselves trying to take his grandmother out on the water for Mother’s Day.
“She has not accepted the fact that she can’t walk like she used to. We were unable to get her into a boat because she can’t make that transition off the dock and into the boat, so we started looking for an easier option and there just wasn’t one,” Schimansky said.
After exhausting every alternative available, he decided to do something about the situation — and not just for his family. Schimansky realized there had to be other people going through the same thing.
It was then he decided to begin his own business.
Between people he knew and his own connections, Schimansky built Beyond Boundaries Excursions, which he says has completely broken the traditional manner of boating. He said he is continuously trying to break through limiting barriers to reach new heights.
“The boat is actually custom built for wheelchairs. It has the same tie-downs that you would have in your school buses that are wheelchair equipped,” Schimansky said.
He described the vessel as an “old commercial mullet fisherman boat.” Schimansky explained that the wide open transom on it allows him to back up to docks or beaches, if necessary. With ramps, he is also able to load and unload within the American Disabilities Act (ADA) limitations.
“Our biggest promotion is independence. It’s all you and you can do what you want — I’m not holding anybody’s hand,” Schimansky said, emphasizing the importance of helping people feel free and empowered rather than held back by limitations, which might keep them from the water or adventure they seek.
Trying to help people who have limitations or mobility issues to enjoy as much of their lives as possible is one way to live a life of honor and meaning for Schimansky, as he feels it is important to help people live independently for as long as possible. He said because this is basically uncharted territory, a day with Beyond Boundaries Excursion is wide open — although there are strict ADA guidelines he is sure to follow, such as accessibility or height requirements.
Schimansky added that being a paramedic is a benefit when he is taking people with mobility challenges out on the water.
“I think it’s a good credential to possess, to be able to read a situation,” he said.
In addition to people with special needs, Schimansky said he often does boat tours with people who have simply been referred to him for a great time on the water.
He has also become aware that many people with mobility challenges cannot afford the price of modern day charters. For this reason, Schimansky works with nonprofit organizations, such as the Accessibility Outdoors Foundation. It will fund boat trips for the disabled, he said.
“For the most part, the captains are all extremely welcoming. Everybody knows about my services, and there are people other captains can’t really take anymore,” Schimansky said. “A lot of our clients — children and adults — were born with mobility challenges and a lot of times have never been on a boat in their entire life. I still get chills to this day when they tell me they’ve never done this.”
For more information, visit beyondboundariesexcursions.com.