MUMBLES: Raft race returns for 40th anniversary as event prepares to showcase revamped seafront

The race takes place on Saturday 19 July, starting and finishing at Knab Rock at noon. Teams compete on homemade rafts — often elaborately costumed — paddling a course off the Mumbles seafront while spectators line the promenade.

The event was first held in the 1980s and has run most years since, becoming one of the most recognisable fixtures on the Mumbles summer calendar. Last year’s race was cancelled due to bad weather, making the 40th anniversary edition all the more anticipated among organisers and regulars alike.

At the most recent event to go ahead, teams collectively raised more than £10,000 for the RNLI. Organisers are aiming to surpass that figure this year, with the milestone anniversary expected to draw larger crowds and more entries from across South Wales.

Tony Bowen, a Mumbles RNLI crew member and one of the race organisers, said the event had become a cornerstone of the local community.

“The raft race is a big part of Mumbles,” he said. “It’s a great day where people get together, laugh and support the RNLI. Reaching 40 years is a real milestone, and every pound raised helps us carry on saving lives at sea.”

This year’s event will take place against the backdrop of Mumbles’ transformed seafront. Swansea Council’s coastal flood defence scheme, which has reshaped the promenade over several years of construction, gives spectators clear sightlines along the bay — making it one of the most watchable settings the race has had in its four-decade history.

Alongside the racing, the day will include a lifeboat demonstration giving the public the chance to see the station’s vessels in action close up, water safety advice, choral entertainment, and further shoreside activities suitable for families.

The RNLI’s Mumbles station has one of the longest histories of any lifeboat station in Wales. A lifeboat was first placed at Mumbles in 1835, provided by the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, with management later taken over by the RNLI in 1863. The station now operates from Mumbles Pier and covers the waters of Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula year-round.

The charity relies entirely on donations. Every pound raised through events like the raft race goes directly towards funding crew training, equipment, and callout costs at stations across the UK and Ireland.

The race is organised by the Mumbles Lifeboat Crew Association (MLCA), a volunteer-led fundraising body that supports the station, with backing from Mumbles Community Council and local volunteers.

Teams and individuals wanting to enter can email [email protected] or call 01792 361268. No specialist experience is required — previous entries have ranged from corporate teams to community groups, all building their own rafts before race day.

The event is free to watch and open to all. Organisers say the revamped promenade makes this year’s race particularly accessible for families, those with pushchairs, and spectators with mobility needs.

Entries are open now. More information is available at [email protected] or by calling 01792 361268.

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New smart sensors rolled out to protect Swansea’s water users

According to the council, more than 40 Public Rescue Aid (PRA) units are now fitted with the technology at key waterside locations including the River Tawe and Swansea Marina, with further installations planned ahead of summer at Singleton Lake, Mumbles Promenade, Bracelet Bay, Caswell and Langland.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Councillor Andrew Stevens, said the sensors were proving “a simple but powerful way” to protect the public. He said missing or moved rescue equipment “puts the public at real risk”, and that the new system allows the council to respond faster and replace equipment sooner.

The council states that when a rescue aid is opened or disturbed, the system automatically alerts its Water Safety Team, who can then visit the site within 24 hours. This sits alongside the team’s routine two‑weekly physical inspections carried out throughout the year.

Water Safety Co‑ordinator Andrew Suter said the technology had already supported a real emergency response. He said he received a call from police about a rescue on the River Tawe involving a life ring, but the system had already notified him that the equipment had been opened, allowing the council to replace it the next day.

Swansea Council says the example highlights the partnership between its Water Safety Team and emergency services, and confirmed it will continue expanding the sensor network as part of its commitment to improving water safety and ensuring rescue equipment remains available and in good condition.

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Swansea falls silent for Remembrance Sunday

At the Swansea War Memorial, also known as the Cenotaph, on the promenade beside Mumbles Road, Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Cheryl Philpott joined members of the council, armed forces, veterans and community representatives to lay wreaths in tribute. Services also took place across communities throughout the city and county.

Swansea Council said:

“At 11am today Swansea fell silent in remembrance of those in the armed forces who have died in service of our country, our veterans and those who serve.”

Cllr Philpott reflected on the week of remembrance events across the city, including visits to schools, cadet presentations, and the Poppies at Oystermouth Castle installation. She said:

“Standing beneath the ancient walls, surrounded by a sea of red, I reflected on the courage of those who gave so much and the importance of ensuring their stories live on.”

She added that gatherings such as the Festival of Remembrance at the Brangwyn Hall, the Cenotaph service, and the service at Swansea Minster unite people of all generations “with gratitude for the past and hope for a peaceful future.”

Today’s ceremony at the Cenotaph was marked by solemn reflection, with veterans, serving personnel, civic leaders and members of the public standing together in silence before wreaths were laid.

(All images: Swansea Council / Swansea Minster)

#ArmedForces #Cenotaph #CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #MumblesPromenade #MumblesRoad #poppyWreath #RemembranceDay #RemembranceSunday #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMinster #SwanseaWarMemorial #Veterans

Council sets out plan to keep new-look Mumbles Prom clean and welcoming

Targeted cleaning after public concerns

The prom, which reopened in July following a multi‑million pound sea defence and improvement project, has been regularly maintained by cleansing teams. But after reports of stones spilling from planting areas and staining beneath new benches, the council has carried out additional targeted cleaning.

Cabinet member for community services Cyril Anderson said:

“It’s important we keep the area safe and attractive for everyone. Stones from the beautiful planting areas on the prom have spilled onto the walkway itself. There’s staining in areas such as underneath new benches; people are spilling drinks, food and other products. We’ve undertaken additional cleaning, specifically in those areas – and the results have been encouraging.”

Specialist equipment proves effective

Council cleansing teams recently focused on the new sea defence wall and seating areas, using mechanical brush machines with specialist attachments to tackle stubborn stains. The work was carried out despite high footfall from pedestrians and cyclists, and drew positive feedback from visitors who praised the improved appearance.

Scheduled work plan in development

Council leader Rob Stewart said the authority is now drawing up a scheduled work plan to ensure the prom remains clean and welcoming.

“Our team has completed jetting work and we’re now drawing up a scheduled work plan to keep the prom as clean as possible. We’ll continue to monitor the area and factor similar operations into our ongoing cleansing programme,” he said.

Prom project designed for the long term

The Mumbles Prom reopened this summer after a major project that strengthened sea defences to protect the community from storms and the effects of climate change for decades to come. The scheme also included improvements to the look and feel of the seafront, designed to make it more attractive for local people and visitors.

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New Mumbles seafront play area opens as part of coastal revamp

The Seaview play area stretches from Southend Gardens towards The George and has sweeping views across Swansea Bay. Made from tough, salt‑resistant timber, it features a slide, bouldering walls, a balance trail and hammock — designed to weather decades of seaside use.

Sunday’s opening drew a crowd of locals after an open invite went out on social media. Popular traders including Gower Seafood Hut and Bibby’s Beans have relocated their pitches alongside the new facility, with The Village Creperie set to join them.

The play area links with the existing Southend Gardens playground, creating an extended space for families to enjoy. It’s part of wider works that include 1,400 festoon lights along the prom, 40 newly‑planted trees, and strengthened coastal defences expected to protect homes and businesses for “many decades to come.”

A boost for families and businesses

Council leader Rob Stewart said the focus was on making the revamped seafront “family‑friendly” while drawing visitors into Mumbles. Cabinet member Andrew Stevens thanked residents for their patience during construction, which he said had been met with “overwhelmingly positive” feedback.

The sea defence scheme was formally opened by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies in July. Minor landscaping around Hennebont Gardens will follow after the summer tourism season.

Across the city, the council is investing £8 million to upgrade dozens of community play areas, part of an ongoing push to improve free play facilities.

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Mumbles coastal flood defence scheme officially opens

The Mumbles Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP), delivered by Swansea Council and Knights Brown Construction, includes a newly engineered seawall, reinforced coastal protection works, and a widened promenade that now offers improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.

In total, the scheme reduces the risk of flooding to 126 properties, including more than 50 businesses along this iconic stretch of the Swansea Bay coastline.

Among those welcoming the changes is Hiatus, a new lifestyle and eco-conscious shop opened by Matt Bryer. Manager Lily Ella Westacott said: “Our shop backs on to the seafront—and we’re delighted the prom work is complete. It’s a big improvement to the local environment and we’re confident it’ll bring more people to enjoy Mumbles—and to boost us and neighbouring businesses.”

The project isn’t just about physical infrastructure—it’s brought wider cultural, economic and educational benefits to the area. During construction, the scheme created new work opportunities for local people, with apprenticeships and placements helping to build careers in civil engineering and site management. Archaeological discoveries made during excavation—including rediscovered coastal artefacts—sparked interest among local history groups and school visitors, connecting the past with the future of Mumbles’ shoreline.

A series of public artworks were also unveiled along the new sea defence walls earlier this year, including designs by Swansea-based artist Catrin Jones, whose tide-inspired mosaics and carved installations reflect the area’s maritime heritage. These creative additions complement the promenade’s redesigned layout, which also improves access to Oyster Wharf and supports new development plans along the waterfront.

Unveiling the scheme’s commemorative plaque on the promenade, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who leads on Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: “As well as responding to the ongoing challenges of climate change by reducing flood risk, the many benefits of this scheme will be enjoyed by the community for generations to come. Safeguarding our communities from the catastrophic results of flooding and coastal erosion is of utmost importance to me in this role, and for this Government.”

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said the scheme strengthens one of Wales’ most cherished coastal destinations. “This fantastic coastal protection scheme is crucial for Mumbles and Swansea,” he said. “It’ll protect one of Wales’ most beloved coastal communities and will further strengthen the tourism industry which is already worth around £660m to the Swansea economy every year. The project is the result of an enormous amount of planning, collaboration, expertise and commitment to the future.”

The Welsh Government provided 85% of the £26.5m construction funding through its wider £291m CRMP programme, with Swansea Council contributing the remaining 15%. The £1m development phase was also fully funded by Welsh Government.

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Open for Christmas: More than 500 yards of Mumbles promenade

As thousands of people visit the seafront to enjoy the holiday season, construction teams installing a new sea defence system have ensured access to panoramic sea views.

Final work, including widening the prom to a consistent 6m, laying a hard-wearing top surface, creating landscaped beds and play areas and installing smart new energy-efficient lights, is due to be carried out by around Easter time.

Project work is around 70% complete.

The prom areas open this Christmas, with new wave-return wall and elegant stainless steel safety rails, will include the spans from the George pub-restaurant to Southend Slip and from Oyster Wharf to the Mumtaz restaurant.

These areas offer an early indication of how the multi-million pound coastal protection scheme is advancing.

The work – to make the community safer against the threat of storms and rising tides – is being carried out by specialist contractors Knights Brown on behalf of Swansea Council. The majority of the funding is from the Welsh Government.

Andrew Stevens, council cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said:

“It’s great that people will be able to enjoy walking and cycling along significant parts of Mumbles prom this Christmas.

“Visiting this fantastic area is key to the holiday season for many Swansea residents. I’m sure they’ll enjoy the panoramic sea views this season and will be interested to see how the coastal protection scheme is progressing.

“It’ll also be another chance for them to support local business which have been understanding as work has been taking place.

“The improved coastal defences will protect homes, businesses, organisations and events for decades to come; the wider prom, increased amount of greenery, improved lighting, new play opportunities and improved links with Mumbles Road will make visiting the area even more of a pleasure than it has been in the past.”

Knights Brown project manager Neil Chambers added:

“It’s a pleasure to make large area of the prom accessible for the holiday period.

“We hope that people come and enjoy the views, get a further understanding of how work is progressing – and support the businesses of Mumbles.”

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

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