Greenhill Rafts Shelved for 2026 as Safety Concerns Prompt Review

The future of the much-loved swimming rafts at Greenhill Beach has been put on hold after Weymouth Town Council agreed not to reinstall them for the 2026 season.

The decision follows what councillors described as “careful consideration” of legal advice from a specialist health and safety firm. Based on that guidance, the council’s committee accepted a recommendation that redeploying the rafts next year would not be appropriate.

Rather than ending the discussion entirely, councillors signalled that this is a pause to reassess safety and explore alternatives. A cross-party working group will now be established to look at longer-term options for safe sea-based leisure provision at Greenhill Beach.

The group has been tasked with two key priorities. First, it will consider allocating funding for professional research by a marine safety or leisure expert. This work would examine whether a raft could safely return in the future, or if alternative facilities could better serve swimmers and visitors.

Second, the group will prepare a report early in the new year. That timeline is intended to give the council enough lead time to make a decision and, if approved, complete procurement in time for the 2027 summer season.

Membership of the cross-party group will be confirmed at the council’s next meeting.

The rafts have long been a popular feature at Greenhill, particularly during the summer months, and their absence in 2026 is likely to be felt by regular sea swimmers and families. However, the council’s approach suggests a focus on balancing public enjoyment with updated safety expectations—potentially paving the way for a redesigned or improved facility in the years ahead.