Welsh Government says South West Wales bathing waters rated ‘excellent’ – but sewage and pollution issues cast shadow

The 2025 results, published this week, show that 98% of bathing waters across Wales met strict environmental standards following monitoring by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Officials say the findings demonstrate the resilience of Wales’s beaches and the success of ongoing efforts to protect water quality.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies said the results reflected “our commitment to protecting water quality” and praised communities and partners for working together towards a cleaner Wales.

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management at NRW, added:

“Our wonderful beaches and bathing waters are an important part of Wales’s identity and culture… The results reflect the dedication of our teams, partners, environmental groups and communities who protect and care for our environment.”

Local results at a glance

Sewage spills and enforcement fines temper the good news

While the classifications are positive, they come against a backdrop of ongoing public concern about water quality.

Residents in Gower have repeatedly voiced frustration over sewage spills affecting popular beaches, saying they feel “pooped off” by the frequency of incidents. Campaigners argue that these spills undermine public confidence in official bathing water ratings.

💧 What do bathing water ratings mean?

Excellent
The highest standard. Water quality is consistently very good, giving strong reassurance for swimmers and visitors.

Good
Meets high standards but with occasional dips in quality. Still safe for bathing, though less consistent than ‘excellent’ sites.

Sufficient
Passes the minimum EU and UK requirements. Bathing is permitted, but water quality may be variable and less reliable.

Poor
Fails to meet the required standards. Official advice is against bathing due to risks to health.

Who sets the ratings?
Natural Resources Wales monitors designated bathing waters during the season (May–September) and classifies them under Welsh Government regulations.

Why it matters:
Ratings guide public health advice, tourism confidence and environmental management. They reflect long‑term monitoring, not just daily conditions.

Rivers and coastlines under pressure

Beyond the beaches, rivers in South West Wales have also been highlighted as pollution hotspots. The River Tawe was recently ranked among the most sewage‑affected in the UK, raising questions about how inland water quality connects to coastal bathing standards.

In Pembrokeshire, warnings have been issued about sewage pollution at popular beaches, prompting local MPs to challenge regulators and water companies during Welsh Affairs Committee hearings.

Calls for reform and a sewage action plan

The wider debate has led to growing political pressure. Campaigners and politicians, including Welsh MPs, have called for a national sewage action plan to tackle pollution at its source. At the same time, Welsh Government has outlined plans to overhaul water regulation, promising reforms that put “people, the environment and future generations at its heart.”

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies acknowledged that climate change and heavy rainfall — including 170% of average levels in September — can significantly affect water quality. He said maintaining standards will require “sustained investment, innovation, and partnership working across all sectors.”

A mixed picture for South West Wales

The headline figures show South West Wales beaches performing strongly, with almost all rated ‘excellent’. But the wider context of sewage spills, enforcement fines and river pollution means the story is more complex.

For swimmers and visitors, the classifications provide reassurance about water quality at designated sites. Yet campaigners insist that behind the ratings lies a system under strain, with regulators, water companies and government facing mounting pressure to deliver lasting improvements.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh Water under pressure as sewage pollution incidents hit ten‑year high
Regulators report a surge in sewage discharges, sparking calls for tougher enforcement across Wales.

Residents say they’re ‘pooped off’ with Gower sewage spills
Locals express frustration over repeated sewage incidents affecting popular beaches on the Gower peninsula.

Welsh Water fined £1.35m for over 800 breaches to sewage discharge permits
The company faces a record penalty after failing to control pollution at treatment sites across Wales.

River Tawe one of the most sewage‑filled in the UK
New analysis ranks the Tawe among Britain’s most polluted rivers, raising concerns for downstream bathing waters.

#aberafanBeach #aberavonBeach #barafundle #bathingWaterQuality #beaches #braceletBay #caswellBay #cefnSidanBeach #dwrCymru #freshwaterWest #huwIrrancaDaviesMs #langlandBay #naturalResourcesWales #newgale #pembrey #pendineSands #pollution #porthcawl #restBay #rhossiliBay #sandyBay #sewage #swanseaBay #tenby #treccoBay #waterQuality #welshGovernment #welshWater #whitesandsBeach

Man found dead at Rhossili beach

Police were called to the scene at Rhossili beach on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea at about 19:15 on Wednesday, following a report of a body having been discovered.

Locals reported seeing emergency services rush through the village of Llangennith towards the beach, while a coastguard helicopter circled overhead.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said:

“HM Coastguard responded to an incident in the Rhossili Bay area on Wednesday night, August 27.

“Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.

“Alerted at around 7.30pm, Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.”

A statement from South Wales Police said:

“Officers were called to Rhossili Beach, near to Hillend Camping Park, at around 7:15pm yesterday (Wednesday, August 27) following a report of a body having been discovered on the beach.

“The body of a 63-year-old man from Bristol was located on the beach. There are no suspicious circumstances. Formal identification is to take place this afternoon, but the man’s next of kin have been informed.”

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

#featured #RhossiliBay #SouthWalesPolice

Man found dead at Rhossili beach

Police were called to the scene at Rhossili beach on the Gower Peninsula in Swansea at about 19:15 on Wednesday, following a report of a body having been discovered.

Locals reported seeing emergency services rush through the village of Llangennith towards the beach, while a coastguard helicopter circled overhead.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said:

“HM Coastguard responded to an incident in the Rhossili Bay area on Wednesday night, August 27.

“Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.

“Alerted at around 7.30pm, Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, a coastguard search and rescue helicopter and a lifeboat from Burry Port RNLI were sent to the scene.”

A statement from South Wales Police said:

“Officers were called to Rhossili Beach, near to Hillend Camping Park, at around 7:15pm yesterday (Wednesday, August 27) following a report of a body having been discovered on the beach.

“The body of a 63-year-old man from Bristol was located on the beach. There are no suspicious circumstances. Formal identification is to take place this afternoon, but the man’s next of kin have been informed.”

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

#RhossiliBay #SouthWalesPolice

Fundraiser launched to help rebuild historic Worm’s Head Hotel after devastating fire

The blaze broke out in the early hours of 14 July, severely damaging the property and leaving its roof completely gutted. The hotel has been a central feature of Rhossili since the 1800s, welcoming guests from across the globe with generous hospitality and panoramic views across the Gower coastline.

In a statement shared publicly, Julian Short, hotel owner, said: “It is particularly heartbreaking and soul-destroying for me and my family to see 25 years of hard work destroyed in less than 30 minutes. We will strive to come back stronger.”

As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, fire crews from six stations responded to the incident, tackling flames that had spread rapidly through the accommodation block and roof space. The fire was extinguished by 5.30am, with crews remaining on site to dampen down and investigate the cause, which is not believed to be deliberate.

Now, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by Vanessa Short to help support the family, staff and hotel rebuild. While it is not confirmed whether Vanessa is a member of the Short family, the fundraiser outlines the urgent need for financial aid following the loss.

The fundraiser reads:

“In just a few hours, a lifetime of hard work, dreams and memories were reduced to ash. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the building has been gutted, the roof totally destroyed, and the family and staff are now facing the heartbreaking task of starting over.”

“Insurance will only cover a fraction of what’s needed to rebuild and the costs are overwhelming. Whether it’s £5 or £500 every donation makes a real difference.”

Funds raised will go directly toward supporting staff — including those who lived on site — as well as emergency expenses and long-term repair costs. The hotel’s future remains uncertain, but community support has already poured in.

Local businesses have joined in sharing messages of solidarity. Nearby café The View Rhossili called the incident “heartbreaking,” while Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park described the Worm’s Head Hotel as “an iconic Gower business” and pledged their support in helping it reopen.

The Worm’s Head Hotel has long been a beloved institution on the peninsula, not only as a destination for visitors but also a gathering place for local residents. Over the past four years, it has hosted events, supported nearby enterprises and offered countless guests a warm welcome at the edge of the sea.

Donations can be made via the official campaign page: Help Worms Head Family Rebuild

#fire #fundraising #Gower #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #WormsHeadHotel

Worms Head Hotel thanks public for ‘outpouring of emotion’ as fire service confirms blaze was accidental

The owners of the Worms Head Hotel in Rhossili have thanked the public for their “outpouring of emotion” following the fire that severely damaged the building in the early hours of Sunday 14 July.

In a heartfelt update shared on social media, the Short family said they had been “overwhelmed” by the support shown across all platforms, and confirmed they had launched a GoFundMe campaign for those who wish to help the hotel recover.

“We know Rhossili and the hotel have played a part in people’s lives and hold hugely special memories for all,” they wrote. “We intend to raise it from the ashes so it can continue to make memories for you for many years to come.”

The fire, which broke out just before 1am, spread rapidly through the hotel’s accommodation block and destroyed the entire roof space. Crews from six fire stations responded, using water jets, breathing apparatus and thermal imaging equipment to contain the blaze. No casualties were reported, and all occupants were safely accounted for.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now confirmed the cause of the fire was accidental, following an investigation.

The hotel, which dates back to the 1800s, has long been a fixture of the Rhossili community and a popular destination for visitors to the Gower Peninsula. In a previous statement, the owners described the fire as “soul-destroying,” saying:

“It is particularly heartbreaking for me and my family to see 25 years of hard work destroyed in less than 30 minutes.”

The newly launched GoFundMe page, organised by Vanessa Short, aims to help cover emergency living expenses for staff, structural repairs, and the replacement of essential equipment. Insurance is expected to cover only a fraction of the rebuild costs.

The fire has also led to a temporary road closure near the hotel, with Swansea Council confirming that the unnamed road fronting the hotel and National Trust car park will remain closed for up to 21 days for public safety.

Local businesses and residents have rallied around the hotel, sharing memories and messages of support online. Neighbouring venue The View Rhossili described the fire as “heartbreaking,” adding:

“Let’s take care of our neighbours.”

You can donate to the fundraiser at: gofundme.com/f/help-worms-head-family-rebuild-after-devastating-fire

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Fire severely damages Worms Head Hotel in Rhossili overnight
Published 14 July 2025: Crews from six stations respond to blaze that destroyed roof and accommodation block.

Fundraiser launched to help rebuild historic Worms Head Hotel after devastating fire
Published 15 July 2025: Owners launch GoFundMe to support staff and recovery efforts following the blaze.

#fire #Gower #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #WormsHead #WormsHeadHotel

Fire severely damages Worm’s Head Hotel in Rhossili overnight

A major fire has caused extensive damage to the Worm’s Head Hotel in Rhossili, one of Gower’s most iconic hospitality venues, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 12.51am on Monday 14 July, with fire crews from Reynoldston, Swansea West, Port Talbot, Morriston, Swansea Central and Gorseinon responding to the blaze. The fire broke out in the hotel’s accommodation block and quickly spread to the entire roof space.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters used a turntable ladder appliance as a water tower, a water bowser, two water jets, one hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus sets to tackle the flames. The fire was brought under control by 5.30am, with crews remaining on site until 9.32am to dampen down and monitor for hotspots using thermal imaging equipment.

No injuries were reported and all guests and staff were safely accounted for.

Significant damage to landmark hotel

The Worm’s Head Hotel, a family-run business with panoramic views of Rhossili Bay and the Worm’s Head, has been a popular destination for visitors to the Gower Peninsula for decades. The fire has caused significant structural damage, with eyewitnesses reporting that the top floor of the accommodation block was completely destroyed and parts of the ground floor also affected.

South Wales Police attended the scene and confirmed that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. A spokesperson said:

“Officers were called to the Worm’s Head Hotel, Rhossili, Swansea at 1:30am today (Monday July 14) following a report of a fire.

The Fire Service extinguished the fire, which caused significant damage to the building.

All guests and staff have been accounted for and there were no injuries.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated but at this time is not thought to have been deliberate.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Fire service issue arson danger warning
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Fire completely destroys Carmarthen house
Crews battle early morning blaze at a rural property near Rhydargaeau—no injuries reported.

Derelict Port Talbot chapel destroyed by fire
Historic Bethany Chapel gutted in suspected arson attack, prompting community concern and investigation.

Community reaction

Local residents and businesses have expressed shock and sadness at the loss of a much-loved venue. Nearby café The View Rhossili issued a statement on social media:

“Heartbreaking scenes from Rhossili this morning following the devastating fire at the Worm’s Head Hotel last night—a place so deeply rooted in our community.

Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of this beloved family business during this incredibly difficult time.”

The café confirmed it would open slightly later than usual on Monday, adding: “Please be kind to one another today. Let’s take care of our neighbours.”

The Worm’s Head Hotel is located near the B4247 in Rhossili, opposite the National Trust Rhossili Bay Car Park. The site is known for its dramatic cliffside views and proximity to one of Wales’ most photographed coastal landmarks.

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow developments as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

#fire #Gower #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #WormsHead #WormsHeadHotel

Police issue snake warning for Gower dog walkers

Police have issued advice for dog walkers if their pet has been bitten by an adder, and urged owners to keep their dog on a lead at all times – particularly on the sand dunes of Port Eynon and near Worms Head in Rhosilli on Gower.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police’s Gower Neighbourhood Policing Team, who cover wildlife and rural crime, said: “Please be advised that we have received several reports regarding increased sightings of adders in Port Eynon (sand dunes) and near NCI Worm’s Head, Rhosilli. Please do the right thing and keep your dogs on leads at all times.

“Adders are the only venomous snakes in the UK and are generally active from early spring to October when they aren’t hibernating. They often live in sand dunes, hillsides, moors and woodlands and are more likely to bite dogs between April and July, especially in the late afternoon.

“If you suspect an adder has bitten your dog, immediately check for two small puncture marks, swelling or redness in the area – these are common signs of adder bites. It is important to keep your dog calm and still to prevent the venom spreading and seek veterinary advice ASAP.”

#adder #Dogs #Gower #PortEynon #RhossiliBay #snakeBite #snakes #SouthWalesPolice #WormsHead

Update: dead body found at Rhossili beach identified as Llanelli man

A investigation that had been launched after a body was discovered at Rhossili Beach on Saturday has identified the fatality as a Llanelli man.

A witness said that police were seen on the beach and in an area above the beach. South Wales Police confirmed they had been called to the scene at 11.45am.

A spokesperson for the force said:

“South Wales Police was called just before 11:45am today (Saturday December 21) to reports of a body on Rhossili Beach in the Gower.

“The person was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Formal identification has not yet taken place and investigations into the incident are ongoing.”

Now the force have confirmed the name of a Llanelli man with no foul play thought to have taken place.

“The body has been formally identified as 47-year-old Mark Owen, from Llanelli. There are no suspicious circumstances.”

#RhossiliBay #SouthWalesPolice

Dead body found at Rhossili beach

A investigation has been launched after a body was discovered at Rhossili Beach today.

A witness said that police were seen on the beach and in an area above the beach. South Wales Police confirmed they had been called to the scene at 11.45am.

A spokesperson for the force said:

“South Wales Police was called just before 11:45am today (Saturday December 21) to reports of a body on Rhossili Beach in the Gower.

“The person was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Formal identification has not yet taken place and investigations into the incident are ongoing.”

#RhossiliBay #SouthWalesPolice

Reginald Rees from Crofty was found in the driving seat of his car in Rhossili Bay on 18 August, Swansea Coroner’s Court was told.

Mr Rees is believed to have driven around 13 miles from his home in Crofty, Swansea, before going off the cliffs at the beach.

He was reported missing on 14 August after concerns were raised about his low mood and was last seen driving his distinctive red and black Renault Captur from his home.

At the time south Wales Police released the following statement:

‘Reginald was last seen on Wednesday morning, August 14, just before 8.35am in Pencaerfenni Park, Crofty in Swansea. He was driving a distinctive red-and-black Renault Captur, with registration number Y44REG. 

‘He was last seen wearing light brown or cream trousers; a striped light purple shirt; light green body warmer and brown Velcro shoes. He may or not be wearing his glasses.’

A post-mortem showed he had multiple injuries following a road traffic collision.

Presiding Coroner Aled Gruffydd heard there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the inquest has been adjourned until February adding ‘I offer my sincerest condolences to his family.’

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/08/29/crofty-pensioner-died-in-his-car-at-sea-reveals-inquest/

#Crofty #ReginaldRees #RhossiliBay #SouthWalesPolice

Last night, I sat on the cliffs at Rhossili from 10:30pm until 1:30am. I set my camera up to take photos continuously and when I put them all together, this photo was created showing how the Earth rotates in relation to the stars. The star in the middle is Polaris, also known as the North Star.
https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_311196

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #nighttime #astrophotography #startrails

Llangennith and Burry Holms from the path at Rhossili. This is one of the rare occasions that I used my 70-200mm lens. The fishing boat in the water was a perfect bonus too.

https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_310279

#burryholms #llangennith #rhossili #gower #rhossilibay #swansea #wales #cymru

Last night, when most sensible people were in bed, I was standing in the sea for a couple of hours watching and photographing the bioluminescent plankton at Rhossili Bay!

https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_310474

Bioluminescent plankton is notoriously unpredictable and can appear at any time at any tide or not appear at all.

#photography #rhossili #rhossilibay #theworm #wormshead #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #bioluminescence #bioluminescentplankton #dinoflagellates #nightsky #epic #stars #nightsky

On the 23rd April, The Aurora Borealis was strong enough to be seen in south Wales. After taking photos on the cliffs, I went down to the Helvetia Wreck and took this photo. The aurora was still visible, but the clouds were rolling in quickly. This was taken at 00:20am. https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_308930

#photography #rhossilli #rhossilibay #wormshead #theworm #helvetia #helvetiawreck #swansea #wales #cymru #aurora #auroraborealis #northernlights

Of course I didn't take just one photo on Sunday night :) After shooting the first photo, I ran to the top of the path so I could overlook Rhossili Bay. This is the Aurora Borealis over Rhossili Bay with the moon, taken just before midnight.

You can buy this photo here: https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_308868

#photography #rhossilibay #rhossili #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #northernlights #auroraborealis #sea #coast #coastal

I ran another workshop at Rhossili earlier this week and whilst we weren't blessed with a sunset, we had a great time there. I chose a long shutter speed to smooth out the water as it started to encircle the Helvetia.

You can buy this photo here: https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_309152

#rhossili #rhossilibay #wormshead #theworm #helvetia #helvetiawreck #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #longexposure

Last night, a dream came true - I saw and captured the Aurora Borealis (aka Northern Lights) over Rhossili Bay. I've had this location in mind for years if the conditions were right. And last night it happened!

You can buy this photo here: https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_308844

#photography #rhossili #rhossilibay #gower #wales #cymru #epic #northernlights #auroraborealis #pink #green #astro #night #nighttimephotography #nighttime #astrophotography

Yesterday, I ran a half day Landscape Photography Workshop at Rhossili Bay and we were blessed with a beautiful sunset overlooking the bay. After seeing porpoises/dolphins in Rhossili Bay itself, horses on the cliffs and gorgeous light at Fall Bay, this topped off a great 5 hours.

#photograhy #sunset #rhossili #rhossilibay #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #sea #coast

The #SeaMist that welcomed me as I arrived at the #Gower #RhossiliBay #WormsHead #Wales was magical. Spent a few hours #Sketching and taking #Photographs for reference, for a new #Painting