A story in yesterday's paper about wheelchairs designed to be used in water incorrectly stated that the two chairs were purchased by the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association. One was purchased by the charity group Round Table Hamilton Number One and was donated to the BPHA.

Two of the Island's beaches now have wheelchairs designed to be used in the water.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks Friday announced that both Horseshoe Bay and John Smith's Bay had the chairs at the lifeguard towers.

Known as surf chairs, the wheelchairs are customised to be easily rolled to the water's edge for the comfort of the disabled.

The chairs, which are made from PVC, can be used in up to six inches of water.

They were purchased by the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association and are free and available to anyone who cannot walk.

"Individuals can use the chair for two-hour periods which can be extended if the service is not busy,'' a Parks spokesman said.

Lifeguards were on duty from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at both beaches.

In a separate statement yesterday, lifeguard supervisor Ms Candy Foggo issued some precautionary water safety tips for parents and guardians.

They included the following: Encouraging adults to stay close to their children in the water, rather than relying on air beds, rubber rings and arm bands which "are not approved as lifesaving devices''; Urging swimmers caught in a rip current to ride the current out and then swim parallel to the beach until well out of the pull of the current; and Discouraging diving from the rocks and cliffs because water depths fluctuate with waves, making it difficult to judge depth.

Assistant director of Parks Mr. Bill Cook said Ms Foggo would be available to give talks to private summer day camp teachers and students, and anyone else interested in lifesaving presentations. This could be arranged by calling 236-4201.