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.

More Water Safety News

New sensors a ‘life-saver’ for water safety aids
How smart technology is helping Swansea Council protect the public.

Holiday park brings water safety lessons to schools
Initiative launched as Wales records the UK’s highest drowning figures.

Call for action as young people’s drowning deaths rise
New figures prompt renewed warnings from safety campaigners.

Council warns vandals are putting lives at risk
Swansea Council urges the public to stop tampering with rescue equipment.

Painted utility boxes bring colour and conversation to Mumbles

Ten new designs across the ward

The initiative, commissioned by Team Mumbles councillors Francesca O’Brien and Will Thomas and delivered by Swansea‑based artists Fresh Creative Co., follows on from a first batch of murals in Newton that proved hugely popular with residents.

Cllr Francesca O’Brien said the project had been shaped by community feedback:

“Since we were elected to Mumbles Ward in 2022, it’s something we wanted to continue. Given the positive feedback we received on the first batch, we knew using our budget towards another ten boxes and designs would be welcomed. We’ve tried to cover the whole ward, and residents have loved seeing them ‘pop up’ and being designed by the artist. Will and I have enjoyed coming up with ideas, including Cinders nightclub, local sports clubs, wildlife and more.”

Cllr Will Thomas added:

“In our latest batch of public artworks we’ve added some boxes with a nod to the village’s history that will hopefully spark fond memories and conversation for both locals and visitors.”

Local landmarks and memories

The new designs include references to much‑loved community touchstones such as Cinders nightclub, local wildlife, and sports clubs. One of the first to be unveiled is on Higher Lane in Langland, with more set to appear in the coming weeks.

On social media, Cllr O’Brien teased:

“👀 Next batch of boxes are primed and ready to be painted. Incoming 10 new ones… Watch this space. One has already appeared on Higher Lane 🙌”

Part of a city‑wide movement

The Mumbles project is part of a wider wave of street art on utility boxes across Swansea and beyond, with Fresh Creative Co. also delivering designs in Sketty, Mayals, Sandfields, Clydach, Dunvant, Killay and Pontardawe.

Themes range from daffodils and acorns to Swansea City FC legends, local industry, and tributes to miners and community history. In Pontardawe, recent boxes have celebrated the town’s folk festival, twinning links with Locminé, and even the old bridge guarded by a Welsh dragon2.

Fresh Creative Co. says the aim is to “uplift and engage” communities, reduce vandalism, and bring colour to everyday spaces.

Community pride

The murals have already become talking points, with residents stopping to take photos and share memories. Councillors say they hope the initiative will continue to grow, adding character to streets while celebrating Mumbles’ unique identity.

#Art #CindersNightclub #CllrWillThomas #FrancescaOBrien #FreshCreativeCo #HigherLane #Langland #Mumbles #mural #Newton #streetArt

Langland care home rated by residents as one of the Top 20 care homes in Wales

The award is based on reviews of the care home written by their residents, as well as their friends and relatives.

It is collated by carehome.co.uk who list all registered care homes in the UK as well as reviews, inspection ratings and detailed and transparent fee information.

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of carehome.co.uk, said: “We now have over 360,000 reviews of care homes on carehome.co.uk, which means we can give a really good insight into the kind of care and facilities offered by thousands of UK care homes.

“Our reviews show the quality of a care home’s facilities, as well as the standard of their care and support, staff, activities and nutrition and if the care home is good value for money.

“We would like to congratulate Brynfield Manor care home on being a Top 20 care home in Wales as their reviews show they provide an excellent standard of care. It is such an achievement to be named as a top rated care home by the residents who actually receive the care as well as their family and friends.

“Choosing a care home can be overwhelming and time consuming for both the person going to live there as well as their family, so we hope our awards for the highest rated homes will help simplify the search.”

Jason Banfield, director of Langland Care said: “Brynfield Manor has been honoured with the Top 20 Care Home Award by carehome.co.uk, reflecting its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and services to its residents.​

“The ethos at Brynfield Manor centres on ensuring residents receive the highest quality in all aspects of their care. The home has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, creating a comfortable and modern living environment. The dedicated in-house staff, without reliance on agency personnel, foster strong relationships with residents, ensuring consistent and personalized care.​

“Activities play a vital role in enhancing residents’ well-being. The activities coordinators organize regular outings using a new 16-seater bus, providing residents with opportunities to engage with the broader community. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is a priority, upheld by a diligent housekeeping team.​

“Under the leadership of Manager Mandy Jones, a recognized dementia champion, Brynfield Manor emphasizes compassionate and specialized care for residents with dementia. Mandy’s dedication is evident in her active involvement in community initiatives, such as organizing fundraising events that have significantly contributed to local dementia support efforts.​

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Brynfield Manor team, reinforcing their commitment to excellence in care and the well-being of their residents.”

#careHome #Gower #Langland #LanglandCare #Swansea